Don't Wait, Start Now!
A community project spearheaded by Cesar Lara, M.D., working in conjunction with Debbie Lane, Certified Hypnotist. Visit Dr. Cesar Lara or Debbie Lane online.
Ilene
Ilene with Dr. Lara
“When I was young, I didn’t care about my health. I wanted only to be ’skinny and gorgeous’. Now that I am older, I realize that health is all the matters. Physical effects of excess weight have resulted in diabetes, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, kidney problems, back, joint and leg pain to name a few! Not only do I have to worry about my heart and kidneys, I suffer from chonic pain. I can never get comfortable. Walking and standing are difficult to say the least; which affects my ability to hold a job, earn a living and keep a roof over my head.”
“I live my life wondering if this is going to be the day my heart finally gives up….and worry about having a stroke. Who could lift me if I became paralyzed?”
“As for the emotional effects of excess weight – I have been alone for most of my life, enduring verbal abuse and humiliation at the hands of strangers. My weight has destroyed my life. I want so much to be at least close to “normal” just once in my adult life.”
8 Responses to “Ilene”
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Hey Ilene how’s it going I have heard from you in a while?
You are doing so well. I am so glad to hear that you are able to get back to your work. You have no idea how great you feel with every 10lbs or so that you will loose. I know from my own journey that I never dreamed of how fun life can be as a thinner person. Enjoy every mile stone and celebrate it. Take care and keep up the great work.
wow down 7.5 lbs at today’s weigh in (it was a week and a half, though; i wasn’t able to make it to my regular appt on wednesday). my total since re-start is now 35 lbs. i’m thrilled and re-energized! i’m trying not to pay so much attention to the actual numbers so i don’t get upset if i don’t like what the scale says. but i must admit that the number today makes me a happy camper. i love the fact that my weight is now 289. so glad to be under 300. i was 340 for years and years, i like the 200’s MUCH better.
had a new photo taken today at Dr. Lara’s. i was in my uniform. i’m still pinching myself that i am now back to work and off disability. what a difference 35 pounds makes! my legs are no longer swollen, my back is so much stronger. i can stand and walk without pain! and my anemia due to diabetes is no longer kicking my butt. i’m thinking that i’m getting incredible energy and stamina from the B12 and B6 injections with the addition of the Energy Plus supplement. no more handicap carts for me! maybe one day i’ll actually be able to do Disney. wow, wouldn’t that be too cool for words? a far cry from being unable to take the trash out to the dumpster across the street.
I was struggling for a few weeks. One week I ate some extra protein here and there, some extra fruit, extra veggies…slacked off on the weighing and measuring. so i gained a pound. the next week i was perfectly careful, not one extra ounce of anything…but i didn’t drink all my water and i drank tons of coffee…and i gained 1/2 lb. that sent me into a tailspin and i got so upset i totally pigged out for a couple of days.
so hard to break old habits. when i’m upset, i want to eat eat eat eat til i’m physically in pain. but i regained control, and have now been ok for almost a week. bought some new “disposable” cheap clothes at walmart (can’t believe i can find clothes at walmart; all my life i shopped at roaman’s and lane bryant and the avenue) since i caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and i looked horrendous in those baggy clothes. i’m feeling good, and strong and healthy.
but sometimes i look in the mirror and i’m just so ashamed of the way i look. i am over 100 lbs less than my highest weight…and i don’t understand. was i never looking in the mirror back then? whatever, i just need to keep on keeping on. it’s not easy. i thought maybe i could treat myself and eat whatever i want for special occasions or holidays. but the truth is, i can’t. just like an alcoholic, one is never enough. i can’t eat badly for one day and expect it to not carry on day after day. i’m trying to just look at one day at a time. can i just get through TODAY? yes, i can. i can get through today. i’ll worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. but for today, i’m having a few ounces of grilled chicken, some veggies, and a sugar free jello.
Hi Ilene,
Just keep talking to yourself positively. Because you can do this and you are! Everyday is another chance for you to live the life you want. So keep going
because you are doing great!!
Christina
I read your blog on on Connie’s page and I can hear the smile on your face as to your great success. For one that is almost done with the process, I have to say that every pound is a reason to celebrate. You need to get rid of those baggy clothes and hit Dr. Lara’s closet! I don’t know if you read the other posts, but my favorite shop is now Goodwill! You will drop sizes so quickly that it makes no sense in even buying clothes on sale. Some clothes I was only able to wear for 2 weeks before they got too big. Always keep reaching early and often in the back of your closet for the smaller size.
You have no idea how great you are going to feel when you are done and as you reach different goals. I have so much energy and feel wonderful after dropping 95lbs. You can do it!!
Keep up the good work Ilene. You are going great! 30 lbs, wow. Try to pick that up and think about the fact that you were carring that around all the time. I have lost 16.8 and can’t even pick that weight up yet. This program is awesome and is going to save all our lives. Have a great week.
My re-start date was February 26, 2010. As of today, April 10, I am down just under 30 lbs. Feeling and looking so much better already. It is such a relief to be able to shop at Publix and Walmart and not have to use that little handicapped cart anymore! I have much more energy and less pain in my back. The terrible swelling in my legs has gone down, and I can wear capri pants without worrying about my “cankles”
I am swimming as often as possible, and stretching and moving to get my body back into decent shape. While the wonderful medical staff at Dr. Lara’s works on my physical health, Debbie Lane is helping me sort out the painful issues that are part of my eating disorder.
I had a rough week last week, and Dr. Lara’s staff was completely supportive, offering different solutions to the problems I was facing. Very different from some weight loss programs in which you are “punished” for “cheating”.
I am learning so much about myself and making positive changes. I wish I had done this when I was 20 years old, but! better late than never.
For the first time in years, I can actually say “Life is GOOD.” Thank you, Dr. Lara, thank you, Debbie, thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses and support staff.