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'I Simply Changed My Ways'

Photos courtesy of Darryl Schumacher

Through hypnosis, Darryl Schumacher was able to drop 120 pounds.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2008

Darryl Schumacher, 55, Plant City

Height: 5-foot-10

Starting Weight: 320

Current Weight: 200

Why I did it: In December 2005 I took a long look in the mirror and no longer liked what I saw. It was time to take another shot at getting rid of my excess weight. I had high blood pressure and cholesterol, my back hurt and I could not walk up stairs without being out of breath and physically stressed. I had knee surgery, had problems sleeping and was tired all the time.

My granddaughter is the love of my life and when we played, I constantly made up reasons to take a break to catch my breath. If I had kept up at that pace, I would never see her grow up.

I tried diets including Atkins, South Beach, Sugar Reduction, Cabbage Soup and Calorie Counting. They worked as long as I stayed on them. But I could not wait to go back to eating the old way again. I needed a lifestyle change.

I saw a TV special about hypnosis, and heard it was supposed to be a great way to lose weight. I read library books to see what it was about. If it didn't work, I was going to check into stomach bypass surgery or the Lap-Band. I talked to several hypnotists and decided to attend a session conducted at a Tampa hospital.

How I did it: In January 2006 I went to an introduction about hypnosis and a weight-loss session. Leader Rena Greenberg said we already knew how to lose weight. Instead, she would help "plant a seed and that it was up to us and our maker to grow the garden we desired." Her plan was basically to eat right, eat less and do more activities. After the session, I got a book and reinforcement CD you listen to for 30 days. It worked wonderfully. Greenberg lets individuals come back to her sessions free for one year. I go back occasionally.

There was no profound moment when I changed, but I noticed I pushed away plates of food when I was full and ate only when I was hungry. I also started walking on the treadmill. As I lost weight, I picked up my walking pace and, before I knew it, I was jogging again. I also started regularly working out at the gym.

I lost 18 inches from my waist and went from a 3X-size shirt to a medium. I now run about three miles a day, five to six days a week. I work out at the gym three times a week. I try to run a 5K race each month. My doctor is surprised by my results, and has taken me off all of my medications.

I was a meat-and-potatoes person all of my life. I now eat healthy vegetables, fruits and salads. I cook a lot at home, with all kinds of spices and flavors. I rarely eat at fast-food restaurants. If I do, I study the menu. I will order and ask for half to be put in a "to-go" box. Also, I turn off distractions such as the television when I eat.

With hypnosis, what occurred to me was normal and just happened without conscious effort. I have not been on a diet at all and have not had the urge to go back to my old unhealthy ways. I still am surprised I leave food on the table or pass up sweets or unhealthy food I used to crave.

Hurdles: The only hurdle I had to overcome was deciding when to buy smaller clothes. I pretty much eat anything I want, just not as much.

Going the distance: It took about 18 months to lose 123 pounds. As of January, I will have maintained the loss for a year and a half. I keep remembering that "the past does not equal the future." When I had tried other diets, I constantly gave up. My new lifestyle encourages me to keep going and pushes my limits. I was so inspired by my change, I went on to become a certified hypnotist so I could share this method for weight loss with others.

Best advice: People ask, "Can you eat that on your diet?" I tell them I'm not on a diet, I simply changed my ways.

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.

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