Many individuals struggle with weight management, and finding a path that leads to lasting results can be challenging. These inspiring stories provide insights into the journeys of individuals who have successfully navigated weight loss, offering valuable lessons and motivation for others.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Change
One inspiring story is about a woman who realized she needed to make a change after years of struggling with her weight. From her early years, she felt "fluffier" than her peers, and this feeling intensified during her high school years (2013-2015), when she went from 135 pounds to 210 pounds. She attributed her weight gain to overeating, describing a diet consisting of large portions and frequent fast food.
The Turning Point
She realized that she had to stop making excuses. With the help of her doctor, she started eating a lower-calorie diet, fell in love with weightlifting, and lost 80-plus pounds.
She recalls passive-aggressive comments from family members that made her feel self-conscious, leading her to become a closet eater. In college, she isolated herself and continued to gain weight through all-you-can-eat buffets and a sedentary lifestyle, eventually reaching 267.4 pounds.
Seeking Medical Guidance
Concerned about potential underlying health issues, she consulted her doctor for tests. The results revealed a vitamin D deficiency, but no other significant factors contributing to her weight gain. This realization became a turning point, motivating her to take responsibility for her health and embark on a weight-loss journey.
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Developing a Personalized Plan
Working with her doctor, she determined her basal metabolic rate (BMR) and created a calorie deficit by subtracting 500 calories from that number. Her doctor also recommended a high-protein, low-carb diet to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. This approach resonated with her, as the increased protein intake helped her feel full longer, reducing cravings and keeping her calories in check.
Dietary Changes
Her typical daily diet included:
- Breakfast: Coffee with half and half and Splenda or a Premier protein shake
- Lunch: Built Bar protein bar or another protein shake
- Dinner: Meat with a side of veggies, like chicken thighs and zucchini, tofu and bell peppers, or steak and cauliflower mash
- Snacks: High-protein snacks (like hard-boiled eggs or peanuts) or low-calorie, high-quantity snacks (like cucumbers in rice wine vinegar)
Incorporating Exercise
Initially, she started with light walking three to five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes to improve her cardiovascular health. After two weeks, she had already lost 14.7 pounds. As she progressed, she incorporated weightlifting into her routine. Despite initial embarrassment at her limited strength, she set goals for herself and gradually increased the intensity of her workouts. She used resources like YouTube and Instagram to find workout ideas and track her progress in a journal.
Setting Goals and Staying Motivated
Regular doctor's appointments served as a motivator, and she set both short-term and long-term goals. One of her goals was to lose 67 pounds and reach "One-derland" (under 200 pounds) by her 21st birthday. By the five-month mark, she had surpassed her goal, losing over 80 pounds. This success motivated her to continue her journey, even after experiencing setbacks.
Maintaining Progress and Avoiding Excuses
After turning 21, she experienced some weight regain due to socializing and indulging. However, she learned not to let these mistakes derail her progress. She became more conscious of using her social life as an excuse for overeating and focused on long-term goals, such as losing 100 pounds.
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Finding What Works
Her advice is to find ways to make weight loss convenient and easy. For her, this meant keeping meals simple and avoiding elaborate planning, which she found overwhelming. She emphasized that the easier weight loss is, the more successful she is.
The Role of Bariatric Surgery
While lifestyle changes are crucial, bariatric surgery can be a viable option for individuals with severe obesity or those who have not achieved desired results through other methods.
SADI-S Procedure
One such procedure is the single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), which has shown promising results in terms of weight loss and diabetes remission. Dr. Fareed Cheema at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn performed the first SADI-S procedure at the hospital, noting that it has a higher initial and long-term weight loss rate with lower weight regain compared to other procedures.
Who is it for?
The SADI-S procedure is suitable for patients with morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or higher) or severe obesity (BMI of 35 to 40) with diabetes. It is also an option for individuals whose previous bariatric surgery has been unsuccessful.
Effectiveness
One patient who underwent the SADI-S procedure lost 33 pounds (12 percent of her total weight) in one month. The procedure has a 90 percent cure rate for diabetes and is highly effective for long-term weight loss.
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Addressing the Obesity Epidemic
The prevalence of obesity has tripled in recent decades, affecting an estimated 42 percent of American adults. Obesity is associated with numerous health risks, including stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, infertility, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers.
Bariatric Surgery vs. Medications
While medications like semaglutide injections can aid in weight loss, they typically result in a maximum weight loss of 15 to 20 percent, compared to the 30 to 40 percent achieved through surgery. Additionally, many individuals regain weight after discontinuing these medications. Bariatric surgery remains the gold standard for sustained weight loss and diabetes remission.