Beginning My New Life
Over the years Shelleyann has had several major medical problems. Even with all these obstacles, she has managed to lose 140lbs by being more nutrition conscious, watching food portions, exercising, and keeping herself motivated. Her story is an inspiration to all of us and demonstrates how dramatically we can all improve our health and enjoyment of life with the right approach and the right attitude.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?
Through the years I have had numerous health problems from back surgery, breast cancer survivor, heart disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, degenerative bone disease, and severe joint pain to name a few, but my main motivator to start exercising was the burning pain in my right thigh called Meralgia Paresthetica (pinched nerve). It left my thigh numb from my hip down to my knee. I was jolted out of bed one night from a deep sleep falling on my face from pain that literally felt like I had been stabbed. I couldn’t lie down, I couldn’t sit down, and I couldn’t walk. I had to stand propped up against the wall with crutches for about five hours. I couldn’t take anymore. I knew I had to do something about my weight to take the pressure off this nerve. I began my weight loss journey November 3, 2008 weighing 318 lbs. My goal weight is 150 lbs or wearing a size 10 pant.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I had back surgery in 1982 and my weight jumped to 150 lbs and by 1990 I weighed 208 lbs. I tried the Medifast modified diet plan under a doctor's supervision and walked four miles a day six days a week dropping 65 lbs in six months. I kept it off for about two years. My weight began to ascend from the stress of my job leaving the city, having to work through temporary agencies, increased pain and inflammation of the joints from sitting, eating junk food at my desk and holding my bodily functions all day until I went home, and medications. So, illness, stress, poor diet and inactivity got me to 320 lbs. I then tried the Sugar Busters diet and lost 30 lbs in three months without exercise then chemo took me back to 315 lbs. by 2003.
3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude? Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count? What was the most important change?
My doctor released me for water exercise only. Since I was doing only water aerobics like a maniac in the beginning two to three hours a day six days a week and was losing weight, I didn’t start counting calories right away. Instead, I gradually began eliminating the bad foods from my diet one by one:
• I stopped drinking sodas—I drank eight to ten sodas a day and didn't drink clear water for five years—and began drinking water. Also, I seem to be able to drink more water when it’s hot.
• I stopped eating fast food.
• I stopped buying foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil which is Tran’s fat. You’ll be amazed at how many foods these three things will eliminate. I have limited buying foods packaged, boxed, or canned. This eliminates added salts, sugars, preservatives and chemicals.
• I began eating more fruits and green leafy vegetables. On my fixed income, I try to buy fresh vegetables = 100% of nutrients, frozen vegetables = 80% of nutrients, and buy fewer canned vegetables = 50% of nutrients. The cost of food has increased to the point that organic foods are not a consideration. People were losing weight before organic became the buzz. I know I have to wash my vegetables and that's ok.
• I began eating less meat (i.e.12 oz of meat became 8 oz per meal until it became 8 oz per day). I eat more fish, shellfish and poultry and seldom eat red meat or pork.
• I began taking supplements: Calcium with Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are usually recommended for women plus a multivitamin. I take an arsenal of supplements. Please consult your physician if you are taking medications before taking any supplements because there could be a drug interaction.
• I stopped microwaving food a year ago. Microwaving changes the molecules in food, and I don’t think my body knew how to properly use microwavable food. I had diarrhea from 2000 to 2010. I noticed a significant change in six months, and by the tenth month I had a normal stool. It didn't prevent the urgency or frequency though.
I learned how to swim at the age of 55 and then learned how to lap. I lap six days a week one and a half to two hours a day followed by resistance or interval training. I've learned that my routine should consist of cardio, resistance, and interval training to have a greater impact. My routine is diverse which includes warming up and stretching then alternating lapping, kick boarding, or water aerobics for an hour or more, elliptical an hour and a half, followed by weights for 45 minutes, interval training for 30 minutes, or spot training for 30 minutes then stretching afterwards.
The most important change was my attitude about exercise and weight loss. I LOVE what I do! I like exercising! Every time I say that I can't believe I'm saying it. I have lost 15 lbs in the past ten months, and if you noticed, I didn’t say ‘only’ 15 lbs. Weight loss no matter how small the number is weight loss. I’m not racing against anyone. When I want to over indulge in foods that I like, I do and I don’t feel guilty about it. I know what I’ve got to do the next day—pick up with my workout routine where I left off.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie Count gives me convenient access to the food browser, and I can't wait to receive my email to read a members' success story. The stories make me feel good. They inspire me to continue even though I haven’t participated on the site. I am a member of your captive audience just in case you didn't know you had one.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Weight loss had been easy until October of 2010. I had lost 120 lbs. I found it hard getting someone to take progress photos of me. I remember stressing over it. Weighing and measuring and counting calories are my least favorite things to do, but I do realize the importance, particularly now. I'm yo-yoing with the weight number and don't want to give up the calories. And, the other reason is due to muscle gain which is a good thing. I dropped a pant size even though I'm not losing a lot of weight because muscle weighs more than fat. Right now I'm exercising to tone and maintain until I put my hungry game face back on. I'm not discouraged.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
When I lost my first 33 lbs and was down two pant sizes. My success was when I could finally see my collar bone. I think a woman's collar bone being visible is sexy. When you see that green-eyed monster staring at you from those who once were praising you for your weight loss, you know you’re doing something right.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
First I made exercise a part of my new lifestyle. Changed my attitude about exercise where it ranks with air, water and food for survival. Exercise also has other hidden benefits that apply to my health issues. It relieves stress, alleviates pain, lowers blood pressure, increases self-esteem, reduces the risk of diseases, and adds years to my life. Why would I want to give that up? Secondly I keep my caloric intake at 1600 calories or below.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I can curl my arms up and touch my shoulders. I couldn't do something so simple. I can put shoes on my feet without pain. I can bend over and reach my toes without excruciating pain. I can polish my toe nails. I can get into the bath tub without being wedged in. I can wear panties instead of bloomers. Belching and flatulence has decreased by 75%. I once couldn’t go anywhere without being embarrassed. I’m feeling better about myself. I'm feeling I'm worthwhile. I’m beginning to believe in something. I believe that this is the beginning of the rest of my life.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I’m still a work in progress. My initial time table was to lose 168 lbs in two and a half years, but it will be three years this November and appears it could possibly be longer. I'm in no rush.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- In order to be completely committed you must make certain your fitness quest is about you and not to please someone else or it will not last.
- Experiment with different exercises. You have to like what you're doing to keep you coming back for more rather than your workout being a bore or a chore.
- Don't purchase foods that you know you have no control over. Mine is bread.
- When you hit a plateau or get side tracked, don't become discouraged. Don't beat yourself up about it. A plateau is a part of losing weight. It is just an indicator that you need to reduce your caloric intake or increase your workout level or change your routine. Sometimes you have to ‘surprise’ your muscles with something new.
- Say a daily affirmation that you are somebody who deserves this. Use words of your choice.
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
Awesome! I too have a laundry list of medical "challenges" my favorite being prednisone, which makes you hungry. I only have to take it as long as I want to keep my new kidney. After transplant I gained almost 40# before I got my ample butt to Weight Watchers and started using this web site and reading Success Stories which help keep me on track and inspired. Thank you for sharing. It started this off right!
wow! your story is an inspiration. im yo-yoing with the same numbers and im trying not to get discouraged. Hope will get to share my success soon too!
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!
Such a great story to share and read and so inspiring! You have done so well, CONGRATULATIONS!
Dear Shelleyann,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am in my 50s and am losing about 4 ozs a week at the moment, but as you sday it is all loss and reading this has given me the ooomph to keep going. I too have 140 lbs at least to lose, but am slightly worried about baggy saggy skin. You don't seem to have it, so where has it gone???????
Carry on with your journey. A journey of several stones starts with the first ounce and you are almost there. Well done and God bless.
Way to go Shelleyann! Thanks for sharing. I never thought about how microwaving affects food. It has prompted me to do a little research. Best wishes as you keep living a life that honors healthy living.
WOW! YOU have overcome so much! You have much to be proud of! Great examples on the types of foods you are eliminating and focusing on. Challenges me! I have lost over 130 but I need to get those food types more in alignment and I am sure I will see more.
Chris
(See my profile for my blog and story)
Wow! What an inspiration! I can't thank you enough for posting your story. You've just helped me tremendously.
You go girl!! That is truly inspirational and while I was feeling a little BLEH earlier - after reading your amazing story I am all fired up again. Congrats!
So inspiring! Ijust started my weight loss journey, so it is encouraging to read stories like yours where you have overcome the obstacles and pushed through to success.
Your story is my motivation this morning to exercise. I love what you wrote about it being as important as air and water. Never thought of it that way. Thank you for sharing your accomplishments! Congratulations!
I am so, so happy for you! Thank you for being so honest about how food really affects our bodily functions. Very inspiring for me on this Monday morning. YAY Shellyann!!!!
Wow absolutely amazing. You are inspirational! And you should be so proud of yourself and your successes. God Bless!
Congratulations! What a GREAT accomplishment and wonderful story!
One question for you. What do you mean by, "I dropped a pant size even though I'm not losing a lot of weight because muscle weighs more than fat."
I know a lb. of muscle and a lb. of fat weigh the same, but a lb. of muscle is a lot denser than a lb. of fat. Therefore, a lb. of fat "looks" or "appears" more than a lb. of muscle. I hear people make that statement all the time, but it doesn't make sense to me. I understand if you gain 10 lbs of muscle and lose 10 lbs of fat, you will look smaller. I'm sure you gained muscle and lost fat, that's why you went to smaller pants. I just don't understand the, "muscle weighs more thant fat". Can anyone enlighten me? What am I missing?
Thank you for your story. I am so inspired and motivated right now! I'm tired of being overweight and I know that I am the only person that can do something about it. It starts today!! Thank you again and God Bless!
Your journey is amazing ! Your story encouraging me and others. Stay focused on your goals. Thanks
Wow. Almost cried reading this. So inspirational! A million "kudos" girl! You should be proud of this amazing feat. :-)
Fantastic!!
You give such courage and hope!
How are your medical problems now? How's your fibro?
Congratulations. You are so inspiring. I wont give up and that is one of my things being in a rush. Thanks for talking to me i needed to hear this.
FANTASTIC Shelley Ann!!! Well done for your perseverance! KEEP GOING GIRL! Never ever again put up with second/third best. Enjoy each day 100%. Thank you for sharing your experience. We don't realize how much we affect others when we dare to believe in ourselves and dig deep to surface that sheer determination and WIN over our own shortcomings.Keep going!!
You are amazing!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Very touching and just what I needed to read. 
One more thing. You made a very valid point about not rushing to loose weight and no matter how small the loss its still a loss. This type of thinking is definitely the key to being successful at weight loss. I have been trying to loose for years and it took me time to realize to stop giving my self deadlines and trying to loose a ridiculous amount of weight in a short time.
Guuuurrlll...........you betta go head. How awesome are you? I thank God for people like you. Brave enough to tell the world it's ok if you don't lose 200 lbs in 30 days 
. Humph....30 days....lol. Anything worth keeping is worth working for. You did the work and WOW!! I really needed to read your story today. Thanks and congrats!!
Amazing success story!!!! You have such a positive attitude :) I also have had back surgery and constant sciatica down my right leg - I know I have to lose weight so I can live an enjoyable lifestyle. I am ready to begin the weight loss journey :)
Way to go, girl! I had the exact same goal as you... it's not easy, but it's definitely worth it in the end! :)
Your attitude is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing successes! All the best going forward with this :)
Original Post by: joeb1golfCongratulations! What a GREAT accomplishment and wonderful story!
One question for you. What do you mean by, "I dropped a pant size even though I'm not losing a lot of weight because muscle weighs more than fat."
I know a lb. of muscle and a lb. of fat weigh the same, but a lb. of muscle is a lot denser than a lb. of fat. Therefore, a lb. of fat "looks" or "appears" more than a lb. of muscle. I hear people make that statement all the time, but it doesn't make sense to me. I understand if you gain 10 lbs of muscle and lose 10 lbs of fat, you will look smaller. I'm sure you gained muscle and lost fat, that's why you went to smaller pants. I just don't understand the, "muscle weighs more thant fat". Can anyone enlighten me? What am I missing?
Joeb- I think what people mean when they say Muscle weighs more is really that muscle is more dense. So, if you took a cubic inch of fat, and a cubic inch of muscle, the muscle would weigh more. Also, as you pointed out, if you took a pound of fat and a pound of muscle, the pound of muscle would be smaller than the pound of fat.
Found the actual scientific numbers (just in case it matters to you, I love knowing this stuff :-D) :
Muscle density is 1.06 g/ml and fat density is (about) 0.9g/ml. Thus, one liter of muscle would weigh 1.06 kg and one liter of
fat would weight 0.9 kg
Hello Shellyann.
Your story is inspirational to me. You have some very good tips or points I would like to copy. The information about the foods you eat is most interesting and how you came to your thoughts on food. I am copying some of these ideas for myself. Also, the message you gave about exercise makes me want to sign up for a swimming exercise class. It's been over 15 years since I swam. I mostly just wanted to thank you for sharing. You gave me some things to consider and think on.
Shelleyann - inspiring story, thanks for sharing!
@joeb1golf - when people say "muscle weighs more than fat" they refer to the volume of fat vs. muscle. As you rightly point out, muscle is more dense than fat, so one square inch of fat would weigh less than one square inch of muscle. So, a person who lost a pound of fat and gained a pound of muscle would not weigh any less, but would look slimmer. Hope this helps.
Congratulations on all of your weight loss so far. This was such a wonderful success story and very inspiring! Best wishes to you on your weight loss journey. :)
Wow! You look so beautiful!!!! I, like you, am one of those who can't wait to read the success story of the day. It is always motivating & inspiring. Thank you for telling your story. Many blessings to you in your new life!!
thank you so much for sharing your success!! I needed to read this perfect story!! I just started exercising and I don't like it much, however, after reading this article and recognizing the benefits of exercise I should be in love with it!! thank you, thank you, for helping me see the light!!!
This is an amazing story! Congrats! It makes me so motivated. You look absolutely beautiful, and I know you feel beautiful, which is even more important. My goal is to lose 105 lbs, and I'm down 61. some days it's really hard, then I will read a great story like this and get all teary-eyed and know we can do this thing! I love what you said about being able to paint your toenails and wear panties vs. bloomers. Those exact things, and other little things like that, have been some of the most encouraging things along my journey too. Keep up the excellent work, and I am positive you will meet all your goals!
sHELLYANNE, One word, AMAZING!!!!!! You are a true inspiration. Congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead.
You are AWESOME!! And I love your new hairstyle, it really is very becoming!!
Keep at it, you are doing GREAT!!
I am so proud of you and feel like your story has re-motivated me for the journey that I am on to lose "half of myself". I'm hoping to keep only the good half. LOL
What an amazing story! You've inspired me to exercise even more and break through my own plateau! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
what a Great inspiration!!! just as a foot note, I am just one lb short of losing my first 1/4 of the weight i need to lose. My eyes have been on the whole pie so to speak and wasn't looking at that as a milestone. last week my blood pressure dipped really low and I wasn't feeling right, I went to the er, and the next morning, saw my dr. He took me off two of the three blood pressure meds i have been taking, and added a thyroid med as blood work showed my thyroid was low. This is a great thing and not talked about enough, any weight loss is significant and allows your body to start repairing itself. there is no such thing as a 'little weight loss'!!!
Congratulations! It's success stories like yours that makes me want to slap myself when I whine at the gym. You are an inspiration! Nice hair too :)
WOW you are truly an awesome woman! Congratulations on your victory over food and for changing your lifestyle. You a an inspiration for all.
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Shiela your amazing. You should add inspirational speaker to your resume. Bless you for overcoming the obsticales and continued success on your journey of life.