Stacy: 70 lb. Weight Loss
My name is Stacy, I am 34 years old. I am wife to a wonderful man and a proud mother of three beautiful children. My youngest daughter was born three years ago August. Since her birth I have been battling weight gain and depression, probably caused by the weight gain. I was on prescription antidepressants and constantly felt negative about myself and my appearance. I hit an all time low point in my life in February of 2007. I saw a photo of myself - got on a scale and quickly realized that I was at the heaviest weight ever, even pregnant… 291 pounds.
I was driving in my car listening to the radio one morning, and I heard two very different commercials. The first was for bariatric surgery offered by a local hospital clinic, the second was a soft spoken, compasionate woman’s voice, talking about weight loss options. I was ready to explore all my options. I went on the Internet as soon as I got home and researched both the bariatric clinic and the weight loss clinic. I made an appointment with them both that same day. I knew that no matter what, I needed to make a lifestyle change so that I would live long enough to enjoy my husband and children. I wanted to be able to keep up with the kids and take them on bike rides or walks or even places like Valley Fair and ride the rollercoaster without the embarrassment of being ‘too big’ to ride.
My first appointment was scheduled for Midwest Weight Control. This is where I was fortunate enough to meet Patty Lucas. She was absolutely wonderful. I felt as though I had known her all my life and that I was just sitting down to talk to a friend about what I was planning to do. I talked to her for what seemed like a very long time, nearly in tears the entire time. She comforted me and assured me that I appeared to be ready for a major change and that I would be a happier person. She walked me through the program and discussed the financial and insurance aspect. I went home and discussed everything I had learned that day with my husband. He told me that if this was something that I felt strongly about that he would support me in my decision. I called Patty back the very next morning and we started my program that same day. I cancelled my appointment with the bariatric clinic and I have never thought about it again.
The program was easy to follow and I did not get hungry, feel deprived, or weak. The first week flew by and I went in for my first weigh in. When I got to the clinic Patty was waiting to hear how I had done, just as she has done every week since. I jumped off the scale and told her I had lost 12 pounds, or as I told her, 36 sticks of butter! She was almost as excited as I was. Week after week this same scene happened. Never before in my life did I look forward to going to the doctor to be weighed. I started to exercise by going to the community gym twice a week to walk for 30 minutes. All of a sudden I was there three times a week walking for an hour each time. I started using the elliptical trainer about a month ago, something that I thought that I would never be able to do. I am now using it five days a week for an entire hour! The weeks flew by and I extended my program because it was going so well. After fourteen weeks I began transition… 70 pounds less then I was when I started and still loosing. I know that I will be able to continue my program and reach my goal weight. I know that I will be able to keep it off for good this time because of the wonderful counseling that I have received from Dr. Nancy Richardson and the Nutritionist/Life Coach Stacy. I know that there is always someone at the clinic in my corner rooting me on with words of encouragement. I now have a healthier relationship with food and exercise. I am happy now and no longer take prescription medication to control depression. My husband and I spend time together at the gym or going for walks. I can play with my kids and keep up with them all … Things that I took for granted before, I will never go back.