Luz: Weight Loss Success
Posted: May 03 in Success Stories by admin
Whether you have surgery or not, success comes with treating obesity as an addiction and not as a diet.
My name is Luz and I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have not known any other way of living but being fat, so I am no stranger to the teasing in childhood, and to the shame and physical struggles as an adult. I have lost weight in the past, and as it usually happens, gained it all back, and a whole lot more. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2001 and my list of medications was very long and included insulin the last four years.
The deciding moment for me came at the beginning of 2010, when I had a very honest talk with myself and realized the rest of my life did not look very promising. When even the simplest daily tasks require so much effort, one starts to wonder if life is worth living. I knew that if I didn’t take action, I would soon be totally dependent on other people to take care of me, and that was a very scary thought. I had read about the surgical options to lose weight, and I was convinced it was the only way I would achieve my goal and take control of my life once and for all.
I had my first visit with Dr. Cywes on February 17, 2010, weighing in at 341.5 lbs. It was the first time I heard the word addiction associated with carbohydrates. I never thought I was addicted to anything, but somehow it made sense. I began the approval process to get the Lap-Band®, and by the time of my second visit with Dr. Cywes, I had lost about 50 lbs. I was certainly feeling good about my progress, but knew there was a long journey ahead of me. My surgery was approved and scheduled, and it’s at this point that my story is a little different. Talking about the upcoming surgery and how well I had been doing, my sister Maria gave me the ultimate vote of confidence ( and the greatest challenge), when she said I was doing so well she didn’t think I needed the surgery. After really struggling with the decision for a few days, I decided to cancel the surgery and keep trying on my own. I was afraid to lose the support I had received from Dr. Cywes’ staff by cancelling, but that didn’t happen. On the contrary, at this crucial time in my life, Jody offered her support, regardless of my decision, and I continued with the program. Fourteen months after first meeting with Dr. Cywes, I have lost a total of 145 lbs, I am no longer on any diabetes or hypertension medication, I feel in control of my life and I’m enjoying every step of the way!!!
This has truly been a lifestyle change for me. I have learned that the fact that I did not get the Lap-band does not matter. I follow the same guidelines, face the same challenges and enjoy the same rewards as any other patient in the program. My journey continues, but this time I have the support of my family and friends, I feel welcome and “accepted” by fellow patients at support group meetings and I have the best team of professionals to guide me through it all. If I start gaining the weight back, I will then have the LAP-BAND® procedure done. Thank you Dr. Cywes, KaLoni, Kristi, and Jody for the New Luz.
I remember the first time I saw you at the support group. Both of us had gotten there early and we started talking. You told me your story and at each support group you would give me your updates. I thought to myself that here was this shy person but underneath the exterior was a dynamo that very few knew was there. I watched with amazement as the weight seemed to melt off of you. What touched me the most (and still does) is that you are still the same sweet girl and you have this uncanny way of bringing encouragement to all you come in contact with. It is an honor for me to call you my friend and I stand amazed at the fortitude you have shown throughout this journey. The future is yours and I know you will grab it by the horns and succeed in ALL you do. Congratulations!!!!
CONGRATS Luz, imagine seating next to you every day and watch you going thru this journey, was amazing to see. I know your story will help others and save lives just like yours. Keep up the good work,
GO LUZ, GO LUZ!
YOU DID It GIRL!
Luz. We are so very proud of you and your accomplishment. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to a lot of people. Your co workers Bing and Tanja
Luz, you look awesome! We have been friends for over 14 years and I know that once you set your mind to something, the sky is the limit. You have done this for all the right reasons, and the most important one is, IT IS TIME TO START LIVING!! You have supported your parents through their illnesses, so you know first hand what can happen when you don’t care for yourself. You are a role model for many reasons, losing 145lbs is just one of them. You should be very proud. Thank you Jacksonville Weight Loss Center for heping my friend see how beautiful she really is. CONGRATULATIONS LUZ….See you in California soon!!
Luz, so proud of you!!! You look awesome!!! your going to have to come back home and get us into shape!!!
Take care and keep us posted..
Love,
Charlene
Luz you are such an inspiration. I met you at the Gate River Run and was feeling bad about myself after learning that someone had surgery the same week that I did and had already lost 100 lbs. I wondered what I was doing wrong as I’ve only lost 70. You pulled me aside and told me that you could tell I was doubting myself and you told me not to compare myself to that other person who was half my age with a much faster metabolism. I really needed to hear that and went on to not only walk, but jog the 5K afterward. I accredite you for giving me the pep talk just when I needed it. Congratulations on you success and the inspiration you are providing for the rest of us!
Luz, you have inspired so many of your co-workers including myself. We all see a person that is very happy and smiles all the time. As you continue your journey we will continue to support you as you have supported some of us. We are all very proud of you.
Luz, when I started working with you in january 2011, I would snack on animal cracker and chips but day after day i would see you eating healthy, walking and drinking plenty of water, I said to myself, she is awesome. I got so motivated, I changed my eating habits and drink plenty of water since march 19th 2010 I have lost 17 lbs and I owe it all to Luz, Thank you for being such an inspiration and seeing you everyday helps me continue on my road to success.
Thanks, Slim