What a wonderful journey this past year has been! A year ago, I weighed 264 pounds and my BMI was 43.2. At every doctor visit my blood pressure would be high. I had trouble climbing stairs, joint pain, low self-esteem, low energy, and I was borderline pre-diabetic. I was a mess! When I look at my “before” pictures, I can’t believe how different I looked. At my physical last year, I finally decided to have an honest discussion with my doctor about my weight. I had been overweight for nearly 29 years and the time was right to do something about it and s tick with it. We discussed many options, and she told me about Valley Weight Loss Clinic and the Medifast program. Because the Medifast plan was easy, had lots of variety, and I could eat dinner with my husband, I knew it was for me. I have found that most of the Medifast food tastes really good! I knew that I made the right choice. From my first visit to Valley Weight Loss Clinic, I received so much support from the staff, Dr. Hella, Lindsay, Jodi, and Laura became my personal cheering squad!
Being a pre-school teacher and a grandmother, I had trouble keeping up with my students and grandchildren. I had tried many other weight-loss plans but was never able to stick with them. I would always lose some weight but would always gain it back. After my first week on the Medifast plan I lost 7 pounds and 12 pounds during the first month. I started Medifast September 4, 2013 and began working out at a local gym January 14, 2014. I go three days a week to the gym, and (I never thought I would say this) I love working out! My energy level is almost like it was in college (we won’t say how long ago that was). I no longer have trouble climbing stairs, my self-esteem has increased and I am no longer pre-diabetic. I no longer have to shop in the plus-size department!
I get many compliments from my friends and family. I have heard many times “I am so proud of you”. Sometimes even from strangers! My husband will tell total strangers, “look at my skinny wife, isn’t she beautiful?” I cannot help but praise God for giving me the strength to go through this past year. I won’t sugar coat it and say that is has always been a breeze. At times, it has been really hard to give up foods that I loved, but I learned that that my lifestyle in the past was unhealthy. I learned to adapt and deal with changes in my life to support my lifestyle and I feel so much healthier and happier now. I have lost over 90 pounds and my BMI has dropped to 28.3. I have just a few pounds to go to reach my personal goal. I am not where I need and want to be, but thank God that I am not where I was!
Thank you to all who have encouraged and supported me-the staff at Valley Weight Loss Clinic, my friends and family, my daughter and husband. I could not have continued through this journey without you!
Rebecca Davis