TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

'Make Sure You Are Doing It For Yourself'

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 16, 2008

Sherri L. Wright, 38, Tampa

Height: 5-foot-4

Starting weight: 230

Current weight: 170

Why I did it: I have been diabetic the past 13 years, but in September 2006, my diabetes was so out of control, my doctor put me on insulin. As I gained control of my blood sugar, my weight ballooned. I weighed about 200 pounds for a few years, but by June 2007, I reached 230. I didn't want to move. I was constantly out of breath. I felt awful. I was on insulin, Metformin and Actos for diabetes; Vytorin for cholesterol; and Ibuprofen for pain daily.

I was scared I was headed for a heart attack, which runs in my family. I have a beautiful 15-year-old daughter, Nikki, who I want to see succeed in life. And I lead a Girl Scouts troop of six active teenagers who want to climb rock walls. I wanted to join them, but not at 230 pounds. Also, travel and hiking at my weight was painful.

Last but not least, my 20-year high school reunion was coming up when I started to lose weight. I always have been big; I weighed 190 pounds when I graduated in 1988. So when I reached 230, I wasn't very happy.

How I did it: I joined the Health Management Resources program at St. Joseph's Hospital's weight management department. First, I was provided with a health-risk assessment, which included a baseline blood pressure, blood glucose and weight/measurement screening.

The program uses prepared meal replacements, fruits and vegetables that allow you to make healthy food decisions to lose weight. They are high in fiber, high in protein and contain less sodium than other diet meals. The meals are very low in calories, and we are encouraged to add vegetables to each meal. Because I eat several servings of fruit and vegetables each day, I stay full, which is perfect for volume eaters. There's no measuring, weighing or calorie-counting.

In the weight-loss phase, patients pick up or purchase meal replacements (shakes and/or cereal, entrees and bars) each week. The portion-controlled entrees require one minute in the microwave. The shakes are easily made by adding water or other calorie-free beverages and ice in a blender for 15 seconds. You also eat at least five cups of fruits and vegetables and drink at least eight cups of water or other calorie-free or low-calorie beverages.

In maintenance, the meal replacements are a tool to push out other high-calorie foods. Also, all of the in-clinic patients receive a recipe book and there is a seven-day sample menu.

The health management program was successful for me because it is "decision-free" dieting. I have the structure and support to keep me motivated, and the maintenance program helps me protect my weight loss. The support includes weekly classes taught by a registered dietitian and supervision by a registered nurse. They work closely with my doctor to monitor my weight loss and adjust medications as needed.

Hurdles: I am an "instant gratification" person. I had to realize it would take time to reach my goal, so I keep plugging away. The weight management team, Michelle Stracke and Mary Nugent, taught me it is not going to happen overnight. Also, boredom is a huge problem. I have to change what I do for exercise and try different meal combinations weekly. There are so many different things that you can try.

Going the distance: I did not make it to my high school reunion, but I am so glad I finally had the courage to take off the weight. I weigh less than I did 20 years ago.

I'm glad for the numerous health reasons, and for my daughter. Since I started putting more outdoor activities in my life, it has rubbed off on her. She received her scuba diving certification recently, which opens up so many more possibilities for her. I don't know which of us I am more proud of: her for getting her certificate or me for snorkeling the Rainbow River while she was below. I never would have even thought about doing that before my weight loss.

I have lost about 60 pounds and have 20 more to go. I have never felt better. The best benefit has been reducing my daily medications. I haven't just lost the weight; I have made a complete lifestyle change.

Best advice: Make sure you are doing it for yourself. And remember: Anything worth having, you have to work for. This includes being healthier.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT