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I Lost It: 'Motivation Follows Action'

Photos courtesy of SHAWN VINSON

Shawn Vinson's plan is less about calorie counting, and more about eating lean proteins and green vegetables.

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@tampatrib.com

Published: January 29, 2009

Shawn Vinson, 37, Plant City

Height: 6 feet

Starting weight: 391

Current weight: 289

Why I lost it: My weight was increasing every time I stepped on a scale. At that rate, I would be well over 400 pounds by the time I was 40. How many other 400-pound 40-year-olds did I know? I couldn't think of any. They call it "morbidly obese" for a reason: Being this fat would kill me. I want to watch my children grow up. I want to grow old with my wife. Being nearly 400 pounds stole away so much joy and energy.

How I lost it: With nearly 200 pounds to lose, I had to treat this as a medical emergency. I was pre-diabetic, had borderline high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I learned about the MediZone diet from some co-workers. The accountability tied to the weekly weigh-in was essential in the beginning.

It also provided me with a much-needed food plan, which isn't really about calorie counting, but about eating lean proteins and low-glycemic vegetables (the green stuff). No sugars or starches. Before, I guarantee I ate 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day with lots of rice, potatoes and sweet tea. This plan lays out what to eat each day. As you pass milestones, food items are added to the list.

The plan, which is about $75 a week, involves dietary supplements (a fat burner, multivitamins and omegas) and weekly vitamin B-6 and B-12 injections. There are plenty of medically supervised weight-loss programs out there, so I would encourage anyone to shop around. And they should ask lots of questions concerning the medical care. Some of the others that might be cheaper may not involve much more than a weigh-in and a shot.

As my weight started dropping, my energy level increased. Two weeks in, constant pain in my knees, hips and ankles was gone. I was sleeping better. About four weeks into the program, I didn't need to refer to the nutrition plan; I knew what my body needed. I now "crave" healthy foods.

Hurdles: The first week was brutal. I wanted to quit several times a day. I lay awake the first two nights, alternating thoughts of "Who am I kidding; you can't do this," and "You have to do this." I had to come to terms with how much food was controlling my life. Before, in the morning, I had been thinking about where I was eating lunch, usually a buffet. Right after lunch, I'd be so full I was miserable, but would start thinking about dinner.

Eventually, around week three or four, I noticed my attitudes toward food started to change. I realized I could socialize without food. Food became fuel.

Going the distance: More than 16 weeks in and I'm little more than halfway to my goal weight. I got a Body Bugg (weight-loss calorie and fitness counter) for Christmas to track calories in and calories out. I maintain a food journal and I blog.

While I am still a "foodie," food no longer is at the center of my life. I choose to eat the healthy foods my body needs. I choose to avoid the stuff I don't need. I do allow myself the occasional indulgence. I have made some healthy substitutions. My sweet tea now uses Splenda instead of sugar. My late-evening sweet snack that used to be six or eight Oreos or ice cream is now sugar-free pudding or natural applesauce with Splenda.

I find time five to six days a week to go to the YMCA. I try to not miss two days in a row. It's amazing how you can find time when it becomes a priority. With my Body Bugg, I track the calories I burn throughout the day, and at the end of the day, I can see where I was most active. That motivates me to get up and move around. Go for a walk; play with the kids. Do anything except sitting on the couch.

Best advice: Make three small changes:

1. Start a food diary. If it goes in your mouth, write it down. You'll be amazed to see how much you are eating.

2. Stop drinking calories. Learn to love water and sugar-free drinks. Save the calories for something you enjoy.

3. Get "accidental" exercise. Park in the last spot in the row, take the stairs, play with your kids.

I believed for a long time that action follows motivation. But the opposite is true. Motivation follows action. If you take these easy steps, you'll find yourself motivated to take the next steps.

If you are seriously morbidly obese, don't be afraid to seek help.

"I Lost It" is a regular feature highlighting individual weight loss success stories and does not reflect the opinions of 4you, which encourages you to work with a physician or nutritionist before embarking on a diet. To share your story, visit TBO.com, K

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