I started the weight loss journey many times in my head, but always came up with a million excuses for not starting a program or for why I had put on the extra weight. Then, in 2009, both my uncle and my dad underwent major heart surgeries and this sparked fear in me as heart issues ran on both sides of my family. I have two children and was looking forward to being a grandparent one day, however, I was starting to have some serious doubts about whether my health and weight would allow me to ever see that day.
I had concerns about my overall health, but I also had another reason for wanting to lose weight. My 25th wedding anniversary was coming up and my dream trip to Santorini, Greece for the occasion was looming closer. How was I ever going to put a bathing suit on? I knew that our vows were for better or for worse, but really, I was letting myself down with the way I looked and I was letting my husband down too.
I had two friends who had successfully completed the U Weight Loss program so it didn't take much convincing for me to go in for a consultation. That's when I met Amanda who spent about an hour with me discussing my health, my goals and my plans for the future. After a few tears, I signed up for the program and walked out of the clinic with a handful of recipes, great products and a whole lot of determination and hope.
Before I began my weight loss journey at U, I visited my doctor to make sure everything was fine with my health. It turned out that I had high blood pressure and a build up of fatty tissue around my liver. I was put on medication and had to learn how to control my sodium intake. I was determined to improve my situation and to reduce or even stop taking the medication I was on. After just a few months of being on the U Weight Loss program, I was relieved to find out that there was a huge improvement with my liver condition and that it was no longer a major concern for the doctor.
Ten months later, I lost almost 93 pounds! I'm not going to lie. There were good days and bad ones. The good days were the ones when I stuck to my meal plans, exercised and had great support from the U team. The bad days were the ones when I strayed from the plans, however, I did learn how to use my new recipes to find the foods I was craving, so all was not lost for too long. As the pounds came off, my confidence grew. I felt great! I looked great! I was celebrating my 44th birthday and fit into a size 12!
I cannot thank the staff at the U Weight Loss Clinic in Aurora enough for their encouragement, laughter, tears, wisdom and support. I can now see a bright future with grandchildren and an anniversary trip that includes me wearing a bathing suit!