I promised you and myself, that when I succeeded at losing weight, I would write you and thank you for all that you have given to me without even knowing it!
So, here is my story…
I weighed 380 pounds at my worst weight and was obese for about 27 years. I had been thin for much of my life and began to gain weight in my early 30s. By the time I hit my maximum weight, I had almost given up all hope. I had tried practically every diet program more than once and simply could not lose weight.
Physical symptoms included high blood pressure, terrible knee pain and acid reflux. I was on strong medications for each condition for many years. In September of 2006, I found a doctor supervised program that guaranteed quick weight loss. I knew that I was going to be on a very strict diet and I really needed a role model. I had to find someone who could inspire me. The problem was that I did not personally know any women or men who had lost over 200 pounds through a program of diet and exercise!
Then, I saw you on television. You told your incredibly compelling story and I thought that you were a divinely delivered gift of inspiration. I made you my mentor and my role model. Just before beginning my diet program, I bought your book: “My Big Fat Greek Diet”. If you could do it, I could do it. I must say, I was jealous of how much weight you lost each month, but I did pretty well myself!
When I started the diet, I had gotten my weight down through my own efforts to 339 pounds! It took me a year to lose 200 pounds. I weigh 137 pounds now! There were days when I cried because the diet was very tough. By the way, I also swam 100 lengths a day in the pool.
The struggle though was very worth it. My life has been returned to me. There are so many daily activities that I can now engage in that most people take absolutely for granted. I can now fly in an airplane because I can fit into an airplane seat. I can go to church again, because I can fit into the pews of the older church building. I don’t have to fear attending a movie in a theatre or a concert in a stadium because I can fit easily into any seat. When I go to a Greek restaurant (I’m of Scottish origin but love Greek food), I head straight for a window booth instead of looking nervously for a table, because I can fit into a booth. I go day after day receiving compliments and simply being accepted for who I am, instead of receiving taunts from anyone and everyone for being obese. By the way, I am off all medications and have completely normal blood pressure now.
But Dr. Nick, the greatest gift of all is the mobility I once again have. I can now walk with tremendous ease and energy. I can climb stairs again. I can get up out of a chair without appearing to hoist myself with the support of the nearest desk or table. I want to ride horses and will soon! I will also ride a bike again when summer arrives. For your information, I am attaching a picture of me from a couple weeks ago and a photo from when I was over 320 pounds. Talk about miracles!
There were many dark days in the 27 years of obesity. I endured physical and emotional pain that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I came out of it…just like you did. And, just like others can if they really want it and are willing to do what it takes to accomplish it. I am hoping now to speak to others to inspire them to never give up and to believe in themselves and to know to their very core that they weren’t created to live unhappy and marginalized lives.
So, thank you so much Dr. Nick for being my shining light and great example that dreams can come true when you believe that they can and when you find someone who can believe in them along with you.
Respectfully and thankfully,
Lynne
Click Here to check out Dr. Nick's "My Big Fat Greek Diet".
Or click play below to listen to a sample of the book.
Hi Dr. Nick,