success story
‘I LOST 101 POUNDS.’
Name: Madeleine Sugden I live in: Little Rock, although, I am originally from the UK. Age: 61
Occupation:
I am a registered nurse at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and have been practicing nursing for over 40 years.
Starting weight:
270
Current weight:
169
My story:
I have been overweight all my life and have honestly been on every conceivable diet. I even got kidney stones once from the early Atkins Diet. I was always successful until I reached my goal weight and could never maintain my weight loss. Within a month of “finishing,” I would have gained 20 pounds. I would then give up and go back to my bad habits. I had done this program (the UAMS Weight Control Clinic) before and was successful at losing weight. But again, I got into a very stressful situation at work. Boom. I was back to square 1. What is different this time? First, the amazing support staff here at UAMS. They have been there for me every step of the way. They understand my past failures and respond to me in a way that keeps me motivated so I do use the staff to keep me strong. Second, for the first time, I have realized that if you have a lapse — and we all do, as no one us is perfect — you have not gained all of your weight back. That was a very illuminating change for me. Previously, I would “lapses” and I would feel so bad and feel like I destroyed all my work. Now I say, “OK. Was it worth it?” And I get right back on the horse, knowing that my slimmer silhouette has not changed. Thirdly, I understand that you cannot let outside influences, like a bad day at work or something going on at home, define your success. I now refuse to let something have that kind of control over me.
My eating plan:
As far as my eating plan goes, I stick to very strict portion control through the week. I still use shakes for my breakfast and have a ready meal for lunch. I have a snack in the afternoon and shakes in the evening. When I am actually at my goal weight, I will have salads, vegetables and lowfat items in general. I like to socialize on the weekends. So I allow myself to have whatever I want on Fridays and Saturdays.
My exercise plan:
I walk every day unless it’s raining. I have a bicycle and an ab lounger at my house, as well as a treadmill. So I get some kind of physical activity every day. I have recently started running.
My goals for the future:
My goals include maintaining my weight loss; enjoying retirement, healthy and able to travel; being a role model and supporter for others; and continuing to enjoy feeling good about myself at last.