Shirley, weight loss

I was 76 and a real bad diabetic. I took three blood pressure pills a day and weighed 330 pounds. I didn’t think I could do it, but I said I’d give it a try.

The first time my doctor, Edward Freidman at Takoma Medical Associates, talked to me about the Metabolic, Weight Management and Lifestyle Center, I told him I didn’t want to go. But when I went to see him the next month, he talked me into it. I was 76 and a real bad diabetic. I took three blood pressure pills a day and weighed 330 pounds. I didn’t think I could do it, but I said I’d give it a try.

I went to the Metabolic, Weight Management and Lifestyle Center in Greeneville and saw Dr. Erick – that’s what I call him. He gave me a booklet and talked to me about what to eat and not eat, and told me to start exercising. I left that day and started on the diet immediately. I had a salad for lunch with a piece of meat, and then for supper I had a piece of meat and green vegetables. In one week, I lost 30 pounds. Now, I know a lot of that was fluid. But still, I kept on my diet. I was determined. You have to have determination to get through it.

I also started exercising. I have a bad back and didn’t think I could. I injured my spine in 1998 and had to have back surgery, then got staph and had to go back to the hospital. Walking is difficult for me. But I got on a recumbent bicycle. And at first I’d ride for 10 or 15 minutes a couple times a week. I’m up to 30 minutes now. Today I rode it 35 minutes.

I had a tough time in December and January. Two of my sisters died with cancer. It was really tough on me, so I ate some stuff I shouldn’t have. But then I got a hold of myself. Dr. Erick didn’t fuss at me at all. I got back on the plan and I’m doing better now.

It’s been 10 months and I’ve lost 124 pounds. I went from a size 28 and a 4X shirt to an 18 and 1X shirt. And I did it without surgery or diet pills. I’m still trying to lose more but I feel good. I think people can see that. I saw my nephew the other day and he told me how good I looked. Even my husband tells me I look good.

It’s been 10 months and I’ve lost 124 pounds. I went from a size 28 and a 4X shirt to an 18 and 1X shirt. And I did it without surgery or diet pills.

I couldn’t have lost all this weight without the encouragement from Dr. Erick and Dr. Friedman. And not without the Lord and prayer. That really helped, too. And my husband, Gene, has always been a great encouragement to me. He told me, “If you lose weight, I’ll buy you some clothes.” He’s bought me some real pretty clothes.

Is weight management for you?

If you think weight management might help you – like it did for Shirley – learn more about the Metabolic, Weight Management & Lifestyle Center here