ALLIANCE FOR WEIGHT LOSS ~ CASE STUDY

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CASE STUDY: JR'S STORY

It was no wonder that early in October, 2005 I had sudden onset of what surely I thought to be a heart attack. It came on suddenly and had all of the classic symptoms: shortness of breath, tingling down my left arm, a sudden rush of heavy persperation, and lots of panic and fear. When I arrived at the hospital, my blood pressure was 210 over 160. Even I knew that was not a good sign.

For a year, I had been trying to address the lack of energy and profound exhaustion I was struggling with each and every day.

Fortune has it that it was not a heart attack ... this time! Of course, my weight had a lot to do with this frightening event. I was pushing 308 pounds on a 5'10" frame - the highest weight I had ever been. I was working 60-70 hours a week, traveling to different time zones, eating out three or four nights a week, skipping meals, and eating what I always ate - the classic traveling man's meal of a burger, fries and a soft drink.

To say that I finally came to the end of my rope is more real than I truly want to admit. In my life's time, I have been on a perpetual diet. I have lost hundreds of pounds only to slowly put it all back on and more each time I "got off" the diet.

I felt fed up and sick and tired of the struggle with food. I would starve and then binge then even purge and binge and purge again. I could not stop thinking about food. Whenever I ate, I worried about the fact that I was eating. I was always so conscious of how I looked and felt yet ever-present was the persistent urge to always eat.

I needed help. I needed someone who understood the problems. I did not need a diet but I had never learned the basics about nutrition from the many "diets" I was on. I was afraid of food.

I was given the name of "Sunny Kruger". I called her and made an appointment. I told her about a lengthy and painful family history, diets, a difficult career track and the fierce stress that was routine for me.

We talked in great deal about how sugar and "junk foods" affect the body. She taught me about what nutrition - good nutrition - really was. She provided me with very readable information, succinct menus and food plans and an outline of the healthful and plentiful foods that I could eat and what foods to avoid. She talked about balance in foods and balance in my life. I took in all of this information with my heart fully present.

I took a leap of faith. I knew in my heart that Sunny understood my plight and she really convinced me that this would work ... if I did the necessary work.

Well, in the time since we began this journey, I have shed more than 70 pounds, I have lost 11 inches on my waistline, and I am now in a size large shirt down from a 3X.

Additionally, I choose to eat three satisfying meals and no longer worry about the food. In fact, on weekends, I enjoy cooking meals ahead for the week. I was afraid to do any of these things in the past. I do not count calories and I weigh myself only once a month.

I have addressed some very serious issues with my work and schedule that are bringing down my inordinate stressors to more manageable levels. I am wholly more available to my colleagues, my wonderful wife, and the people I hold dear in my life.

During my meetings with Sunny, we discuss my food intake and any issues that arise. Sometimes, the focus is on menu planning. Sometimes, we talk about the issues that arise as all of this weight is coming off. Sometimes, we talk about more personal issues.

I have come to discover that all of my problems were not about food. I know for certain that I can and will continue to shed pounds eating properly and I will never have to count calories or diet again.

It takes great effort. I have had to do a great deal of soul searching and probing and getting in touch with my " inner child", the sources of my "hunger", and at last become willing learn to love myself enough. Sunny's presence and understanding is unwavering.

This is not a diet plan. It is a life style of learning to live and love and be in touch with your innermost being and live life in the present moment.

I have had a few setbacks - certainly! But, it is only a setback at that moment. I can choose to get right back on the plan the very next meal. I still have a lot of work left to do. I know that I will continue to shed pounds because the fat and the weight were never really about food. My weight problem was what I chose to use to stuff my feelings, fears, worries, guilt, regrets, upsets and self-inflicted pressure.

It takes work! But, it is most rewarding work and has provided me with wonderful life-changing results. I am more comfortable today with food than I ever thought I could possibly become. I am so much more comfortable with myself. I am learning to love myself fully and completely.