I retired in 2003 and after a couple of years started regaining weight. Finally, after five years, I weighed more than I had ever weighed in my life. Weight has always been a problem for me. Other than being grossly overweight, I enjoyed my life very much although my weight was beginning to slow me down from doing the things I like to do. I love running with my dog in agility, but running time is a factor, and I was finding it harder and harder to be successful at this activity which I love. I like to travel and visit friends, but flying was becoming harder because I was so big and the seats seemed so small. Other than that, I tried to come to terms with my weight telling myself that everyone has something or other in life to deal with, and weight was mine. Although I focused on my weight every day, I tried to come to terms with it and to remind myself that I was a worthwhile person even if I was obese. I simply gave up the idea I would ever be any different.
At this time, I was taking classical piano lessons from John Spradling who was also overweight. Over a year ago, he began the program with Dr. Scinta and her staff. Week by week, I noticed his progress and his dedication to becoming healthy. I had always thought he was the best piano teacher I had ever had, but I truly believe he became even better as he reached his goal weight. At my lessons, I would talk to him about the program. Finally, I decided to take the plunge. This was a difficult decision not only because I had given up any hope of ever being a normal weight, again, but also because it is an expensive program, especially for someone on a relatively fixed income.
I began the program in March, 2010. I can say I began to see results and I have never looked back. I was on full meal replacement for about fourteen weeks, then partial, and now I am on full food, but still on a weight reduction plan. I have twenty more pounds to lose to reach my goal. I cannot believe the changes in me, both physical and psychological. Physically, I am very healthy. I have decreased my C-Pap for sleep apnea to a low dose and no longer take pills for high blood pressure. My energy is fantastic and my dog Patrick and I run very well in agility. We are even bringing home ribbons again. I board an airplane with confidence that I will be able to buckle the seatbelt.
Psychologically, I feel much more confident and focused about everything I do from yoga to dog training to piano. I have always enjoyed my friends, but now it seems I enjoy doing things with them even more. I have a much more positive outlook on life. I have gotten rid of tons of clothes and have enjoyed buying some new ones. Every penny I have spent has been more than worth it. It is probably the best investment I have ever made.
It is true that I was committed to the program. However, the support of Dr. Scinta and her staff was invaluable. Especially important to my continuing success are the behavior modification classes led by Johanna Ellis. Johanna is an accredited psychologist who has worked a long time in this field and knows what she is talking about. A lot of people have good intentions, but Johanna is a professional. She is very supportive, but pulls no punches. She has helped me tremendously with emotional eating. Even after when I achieve my weight goal, I intend to continue with behavior modification classes.
I have more changes to make, but never, in my life, have I felt so optimistic about achieving permanent weight loss. What a blessing it has been to me to be in this program. Thank you to John, Dr. Scinta, Sheila, N.P. and the entire staff.
1 Comment
Nancy, You are an inspiration to me. Over the years, I have had the honor of being part of many people’s training in piano. During that time, I have been part of highly significant professional achievements on some of their parts, but being part of actually changing your life may, in fact, be my happiest achievement of all.
Continue the hard work! We all get there a day at a time.
John Spradling