TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Working Together, Couple Sheds Hundreds Of Pounds

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 25, 2008

C.J. Huffman, 29, New Port Richey

Height: 5-foot-5

Starting weight: 315

Current weight: 170

Chuck Huffman, 31, New Port Richey

Height: 5-foot-11

Starting weight: 359

Current weight: 190

Why I did it:

C.J.: I've been heavy for as long as I can remember. The funny thing is that it seems like I've been dieting my entire life. I've been sucked in by many of the diets that build up hopes of finally conquering the weight problem, just to experience the crushing letdown each time the diet's promises are broken. I know all too well the shattering feelings of worthlessness and defeat when you just can't seem to get control of your own body. I've tried everything from denying my addiction to food to blaming my weight problem on anything but my own poor eating habits.

Chuck: I mostly did it because of health issues such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I was feeling tired and sluggish all of the time. It was hard work carrying that much weight around. I also felt like I was discriminated against because of my weight. I got tired of people assuming things about me or making generalizations because I was overweight.

How I did it:

C.J.: I followed a low calorie, low fat and low carbohydrate diet under medical supervision at Medi Weightloss Clinic in Lutz. I exercised daily and drank a gallon of water a day. I preplanned my meals so that I knew what I would be eating the next day. This helped me stick to the diet and avoid eating calories that I did not realize I was eating. Weekly weigh-ins at the clinic helped keep me accountable and motivated me to stick with the program.

Chuck: I went to Medi Weightloss Clinics. The staff at the clinic gave the encouragement needed for me to reach my goal weight. Barbara, a nurse at the clinic, always knew just what to say to help keep me going in the right direction. My wife cooked the meals for me. She made sure everything was within the right range nutritionally. She made some creative meals considering the restriction in calories, fat and carbohydrates. I also exercised by walking a few miles a day. I lost about 170 pounds in less than one year. My wife lost 145 pounds in about a year.

Hurdles:

C.J: Holidays and special times were tough, but with the support of my husband, who also lost a significant amount of weight, I was able to avoid the temptation of cheating. When we went out to eat, we would research the menu and nutritional information in advance to plan our meals. When we traveled to relatives out of town, we would buy groceries to be sure to have healthy choices available.

Chuck: It was tough at family and friend gatherings when everyone else was eating what they wanted but I couldn't. I got past this by reminding myself of the progress I made and it helped give me the willpower to turn down the temptation.

Going the distance:

C.J: I believe the best way to maintain is to stay active, and always be aware of the number of calories being consumed daily. The clinic provides a packet with suggestions for maintaining weight loss. It includes the types of foods that should be eaten and the foods that should be avoided.

Chuck: I am maintaining the weight loss by keeping a close eye on my weight. If I start to gain a few pounds, I cut back on eating and exercise more to get back on track. I try to remember to eat in moderation and stay active.

Best advice:

C.J.: Believe in yourself! I know it seems impossible at times, but just keep remembering that you have control over your food choices. Every time you decide to make the healthy choice, you are one step closer to your goal weight.

Chuck: Some days will be harder than others, but just keep in mind that losing weight will change your life and is worth the effort. Don't give up!

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT