Reply #141: Have patience

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I have had a weight problem all my life as well. What has helped me enormously is the weight loss program at the clinic where I work. I was given an eating plan designed specifically for me, based upon my history, my family health history, and what the doctor learned about my metabolism from tests. Besides an eating plan, we offer emotional and practical support via our naturpathic physician as well as a variety of exercise/fitness programs.

Here's my story: I was obese, and, at age 56, was starting to have joint pain and shortness of breath. I found out about a year and a half ago that the Foundation clinic was going to start the weight loss program (I wasn't working there then). I was the first to sign up--and found out a couple of things. One, I've got hypothyroidism, which must be monitored and regulated by prescription drugs. Second, I'm extremely carbohydrate sensitive, and I have serious glycemic issues. But the diet I was given was one I found easy to live with, once I was given recipes and encouragement by our ND. She even gave me recipes for things I could binge on when I had an emotional crisis--and it has worked. I lost one to two pounds a week until I reached my setpoint, which is at the high end of the normal weight range for my height--the same weight I carried when I was in my twenties. This took a year. My fitness class is taught by a personal trainer who has individualized the exercises we should do at home so that they meet our individual goals. I have gained strength in my back by doing some Pilates exercises and have finally gotten better balance by doing Yoga exercises she has prescribed.

If you wish to lose weight because of health issues, I would encourage you to find a program like ours. Some of our patients, we have found, have problems losing weight not because of lack of willpower but rather because of metabolic issues--malabsorption, food allergies and sensitivities, even yeast issues!