This is not a sales pitch, just my story. Maybe it can inspire someone to do something they thought they couldn't do.
Mike
"If I were to describe OPTIFAST in one word it would be 'life changing'. I weighed 398 pounds - My wife sat me down one day and said - I want my husband back. The kids are no longer going to get up and get things for you, you're going to get up and get them for yourself.
I began looking into different weight loss options. I had researched surgery, but there were complications that I didn't want to worry about. A friend had successfully lost weight on the OPTIFAST program and I found out my insurance covered part of the cost. I signed up and learned that if you stick to the program, it's easy. I lost 77 pounds in the first 11 weeks.
The thing that made the difference with OPTIFAST was the support I received from the program. The groups that we would go to every week with behaviorists, nutritionists and the ongoing support for maintenance afterwards helped me to learn how to make lifestyle changes so that I can keep the weight off for life. I also appreciated the medical monitoring because it assured a healthy weight loss. I have lost 199 lbs and I am still counting. I no longer eat like I used to eat. I don't crave the foods I used to crave.
OPTIFAST has changed my life by transforming me from a man who sat in a chair and did nothing to a man who loves to be up and be active. Now I shovel the snow and I like to walk, I can't sit still! Now I do things just because I can and it is fun to be able to be physically active. It's a whole new way of life!
My advice for people who have given up and said: "There's no hope for me. I'm going to be this big the rest of my life" - I would say you can change. You have to first change your mindset. Change your attitude and the program will work for you. They will help you through every step of the way and you will find that there's a life to live on the other side."
4 comments:
Mike, I think your story is truly an inspiration! Losing weight is a struggle many people have (including our students). Your story can be a motivator for students with weight issues (both over and under) and for students with other issues, like overcoming alcohol or drug addiction. Did you share your story with your students at Ward? Laura
Wow, Mike! Your wife must be an angel, because she has inspired you to lose weight and added years back to your life. If you haven't figured out by now (it sounds like you have) she's a keeper and I haven't even met her.
Mike, congratulations! That is a really cool story. Honestly, I had never heard of OPTIFAST but it sounds like a great program. My sister in-law actually just lost about 100 pounds and it really is amazing to see the difference in her not only physically but also mentally.
Mike, I had no idea you had lost that much weight! That's awesome. I'm going to do a little research on Optifast. I have a 19-year-old niece who is clinically obese and she is struggling to lose weight. It's so hard to watch someone so young battling with these weight and self image problems. Thanks for your inspiration . . . I will pass it along to her. Julie
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