Inspiring 90 Pound Weight Loss Story

Most of us have tried to lose weight at one time or another and have experienced the deprivation and frustration that goes along with dieting. We often depend on at least some form of exercise to help with the process. But can you imagine being 100 pounds over weight and not being able to exercise due to medicalcondition? I’d like to share an inspirational story of one of my clients who lost 90 pounds – without being able to exercise. She has kept it off for the past 1 1/2 years. Read her story and watch her video … be prepared to be inspired!  (This is a long post – but worthwhile reading)

Susan’s story
Susan first came to me in August of 2008 at the recommendation of her doctor (Dr. David Globus, NYC) for help in losing weight. She was in her early 50‘s, was 5’9 and weighed 270 pounds. She had a weight problem on and off for much of her adult life.  But her weight really escalated to ~ 270 pounds after a torn ACL and 7 surgeries. I remember Susan coming into my office, using a cane and limping. She appeared rather hopeless at that time that she would be able to lose weight. I told her that weight loss was still possible, despite the fact she couldn’t exercise and that we would work out a reasonable eating plan.

It turned out that Susan was a big emotional eater – not surprising. So we also had to do a lot of work with dealing with eating in response to emotions as well as change her eating behaviors. We worked out a 1600 calorie eating plan and set goals. I also stressed the importance of keeping a food record. We talked about keeping problem foods out of the house, avoiding the kitchen stocked with sweets in her office, planning healthy midmorning and afternoon snacks, cooking ideally 5 times a week, bringing as many meals/snacks to work as possible. Susan would meet with me once a month. Fast forward 2 1/2 years later … Susan has lost 90 pounds!

Check out my video of Susan

My recent interview with Susan
Susan was kind enough to let me “interview” her as well as take a video. She is hoping her story can help other people who are trying to lose weight.

What was your major problem area when it came to your weight?
Susan: I was (am) a big emotional eater and used food as a reward or for comfort. Eating late at night or in front my computer were my biggest problem areas. I am also frequently tempted by the “kitchen” in my office that is always stocked with sweets.  (Pics are of Susan in her “pre-90 pound weight loss” clothes)

When did you start to have a weight problem?
Susan: Normal weight until age 17, then experienced a rapid weight gain but was able to lose it. However by age 30, I was back up to 205 lbs. I then had a knee injury and subsequently ended up having 7 knee surgeries. My weight escalated up to 270 pounds. I was told by my orthopedist that he’d NEVER had a patient with knee problems lose weight.

What kind of diets had you tried in the past?
Susan: All kinds including Slimfast and amphetamine diet pills.

Why were you finally able to lose weight and keep it off this time?
Susan: I was miserable enough to give it another try at the advice of my internist. I suspended all expectations and judgments. (I remember Susan coming into my office with very little hope of losing weight). I feel that keeping a food log has been the most important tool in getting the weight off.

How do you avoid going back to all your old habits?
Susan: I find they are still there waiting for me to some extent. I can still get that obsessive feeling of needing to eat that has little if anything to do with hunger. I find that keeping to a routine is VERY helpful. I am continually working on ways to “reward” with things other than food. But I do find it helps me to make/eat really nice meals/snacks that I like and have learned to like, especially high quality fruits and veggies

What are some of the best things about losing all this weight?
Susan: There are MANY positive aspects, including:

1. No longer needing blood pressure medication
2. Being able to walk more and move without pain. Enjoying that feeling of some physical exertion. I still need to be careful not to overdo the walking as I still have knee pain (and there is likely cartilage damage in my “good” knee)
3. Getting to see my old self back in the mirror again
4. The ongoing experience of learning how to be comfortable with new clothes and body image.

My observations
I have seen a huge transformation with Susan in many areas, including her physical appearance, the way she walks and carries herself, energy levels, mood, confidence level regarding eating and her weight (we are still working on that one) and the way she dresses! Susan initially wore big black baggy clothing for at least the first year. Even as she was losing weight, she kept this same clothing. (Here is a smiling thin Susan!)

I personally feel the keys to Susan’s success include:
1. Diligent (usually!) keeping of food records
2. She brings many meals/snacks from home
3. She cooks at least 4 dinners a week, if not more
4. Likes healthy foods, especially fruits and veggies
5. She gets support on a regular basis (my support I mean meeting with me!)
6. She is very aware of her eating behaviors/triggers and is always brainstorming on how to deal with them. For example, Susan has started to fall back to some old habits of eating a little too much at home in front of the computer and has been getting into the sweets in the kitchen. We talk about these issues and come up with a plan on how to resolve them
7. She is not overly confident in her ability to keep the weight off. I see some people who have the mentality “once I lose weight, I KNOW I’ll be able to keep it off”. Being too cocky can lead to falling back to old habits. You need to realize that those old habits are still lurking!
8. While she is not formally exercising, she has increased her walking. She now wears a pedometer and averages 7000 steps a day. I am a huge fan of pedometers as they provide concrete measurements of your activities and give you a goal to work towards.
9. Lastly, but certainly not least, Susan is very disciplined and gets right back on the horse if she falls off. This is key to losing weight and keeping it off.

I hope Susan’s story can inspire some of you who are struggling to lose weight. Please feel free to post any of your success stories!