I’m fit, 65 lbs. lighter and the world is a whole new place for me. I had been heavy all my life and kept looking for the right weight-loss solution.
I tried virtually every diet out there from low-carb, to counting points, to buying pre-measured food – none worked, at least not over the long haul. It was easy to lose weight, but hard to keep it off.
Once I realized that my weight problem wasn’t simply about portion control, but that emotions were triggering my bingeing, I began to make progress. No diet in the world was going to help until I learned to handle my emotions successfully.
I’m only 29 and was just shy of 200 lbs at the end of last year when I decided to stop by the Long Island Weight Loss Institute. Physically, I was a wreck. I felt sluggish, couldn’t participate in activities that I used to enjoy, and was beginning to have difficulty breathing. I felt disgusted and embarrassed by my weight and my self-confidence was at an all-time low. Even though I was a health professional, I was anything but healthy.
When I found LIWLI, I never dreamed that they would help me discover a whole new life.
At the LIWLI in Westbury, Dr. G spent time explaining that what I needed was a combination of diet along with a series of exercises that would strengthen me physically as well as emotionally. What he was offering me were ways to cope with life stressors without using food. At last someone understood and would help me develop strategies to successfully manage stress and any uncomfortable emotions.
Each week, I looked forward to receiving a new packet of exercises that would help me learn new ways to deal with life’s pressures. Whenever I hit an obstacle that I wasn’t prepared to handle, Dr. G. helped me figure out ways to successfully cope without relying on food to get me through. As a result, I lost 65 pounds in just over 5 months.
At first, my diet consisted of a protein bar and four shakes a day. The shakes were tasty and satisfying, so I had no problem sticking to the diet and started losing weight. Then, as the weeks went by, the counseling and self-help exercises made it easier to keep the weight off.
Not only has LIWLI helped me to lose weight, but my friends, who have seen the change in me, have decided to go, too.
If you want to lose weight and have failed in the past, one of the most crucial lessons I learned is that you must believe in yourself. Have the faith and deep-down confidence that you DO have the abilities to succeed in what you want out of life – weight loss included. I found that with daily affirmations and actually visualizing the way I wanted to look and feel, I was able to make it happen. I sincerely hope my story helps someone else. If you can relate to the emotions and feelings that I experienced as a heavy person, I hope you will make the choice to commit to living a healthier and more active life.
I feel completely different now – I’m fit, healthy and full of energy and the world has become a brand new place for me. Everything has changed. I’m more outgoing, I love fashion and clothes and I can wear what I want now. For years, I hid my personality underneath my excess weight and baggy clothing. Now, my clothing shows off my personality.
I’m having more fun, I love to exercise and I am finding things out about myself that I never knew. I even enjoy weight lifting! Now, I go out dancing and don’t stop. I used to go out with my friends and stand in a corner all night. And, there’s a dramatic difference in how people react to me. Instead of looking away or ignoring me, people smile. I’m a happier, healthier person with a new outlook. LIWLI has given me a brand new beginning.