ABC Review

Low Carb Diet - NutriSystem Diet Meal System Success Story!

About 12 years ago, after the birth of my daughter, Kelsey, my husband left me. That was the most unbelievably devastating event of my life. As a newly single mom, I struggled to get my education and raise an infant alone. I turned to food for comfort, and it eventually became my way to shut out parts of my life that I couldn't deal with. My goal was to stay focused on my child; she was my priority. And the weight gain began.

Hi, my name is Patti, and this is my weight loss story.

While struggling through my new life as a single mom, a few years into it something happened that changed my life forever—my mother and I got colds. You know the type—the kind of cold with the uncontrollable dry, hacking cough. For both of us, the colds lasted for about two weeks before we started feeling better. However, one night in early December, one last coughing spell hit my mom. She coughed so hard for so long, and because her heart was weak from the last two weeks of coughing, and moreover, from years of being morbidly overweight, it got out of sink...out of rhythm... and she died. She was 58 years old.

How could this happen? Devastated doesn't begin to express how I felt. I remember being so angry when the doctors said her obesity was the cause of death. It wasn't—it was the cold—or was it? Once again I turned to food.

The bad news continued in my life. Fast forward two years...Thanksgiving Day. My aunt, who was in her early 50s, had a sudden heart attack and died. The root cause of her heart attack? Morbid obesity. Still refusing to believe that weight played a part in my aunt's death, I continued to eat, and my weight eventually skyrocketed to unbelievable heights.

The following January, my sister decided that maybe there was some truth behind this obesity and early death theory. Being in her late 30s, she decided she needed to save her life by opting for weight loss surgery. She was afraid, but determined. For her, she felt it was the only option. When I learned of my sister's decision, I told her that I would support her 100%. I promised to be there for her, and that we'd lose this weight together.

But did I consider surgery? Not for a minute. My course of action? You guessed it... NutriSystem!

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Having experienced all of these events, I chose to start NutriSystem on August 10th, 2003, one month before my sister's surgery. The day my first order arrived I was a bit overwhelmed, and I didn't know what to do with all the food—what to eat, when to eat it—and initially, I was a mess, but my daughter, Kelsey, stepped up to the plate that night. She led me out of the kitchen, told me not to worry about it and that she would help me figure it out. She read all the literature, figured out the schedule, unpacked the box, and sorted and organized the food for me. In fact, she did this for many months. I couldn't have asked for a bigger supporter.

The weekend before my sister's surgery, I went to stay with her. I packed all my NutriSystem foods to take with me, and when I arrived, she was surprised to see that I had already lost 15.5 pounds in my first month. I was well on my way! Her surgery was long and stressful, but on my end, I had a schedule and I stuck to it. I went to the hospital cafeteria to cook my NutriSystem foods. I remember feeling a little self conscious and nervous about that, but I did it anyways. After all, my sister was counting on me; my daughter was counting on me; I was counting on me!

I have to say, though, throughout everything, Kelsey has been my rock. She is wise beyond her years. She has been my main supporter and counselor during the past 15 months. Talk about a role reversal! When I was stressed about food choices like eating off plan, or attending a family function, she would grab my checkbook planner and come up with a new menu selection for me. I don't know how to explain how she did this, only to say that I feel some people (regardless of age) just "get it." They understand what you need to eat to be healthy. She advised me on how to deal with the harsh comments from co-workers. She even made me a sign to wear that said, "Today is be nice to Patti day!" I've learned so much from that little girl.

Now, one year later—and 114 pounds lighter—I am a stronger, healthier mom. I have a just ten more pounds to go until goal, and I know that I'll make it!

One reason is my support system. Two of my co-workers started diets during the same time period as I did. This really helped me stay on track at work. In my opinion, it's best to identify your support lines early, and cling on to them tightly. While my co-workers and I all tackled weight loss from a different approach, I'm pleased to say that we were ALL successful.

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I must say, I'm still adjusting to some things. Accepting my new body. Trying to believe I look as good as people say. Wanting to believe it, but not seeing myself the way they do. Feeling like I fit in. Getting attention from others. You know, it's funny, when you are heavy, people act like they can't see you, when clearly they can. But the smaller I become, the more attention and focus I receive. For me, this was stressful and something that I needed to work through. It brought to light the common theme throughout my entire weight loss journey: break down the walls!

I had missed things like flirting. I know that sounds kind of dumb, but for 12 years I've cut that entire part out of my life, but now it feels good to have it back. It feels right! And it's in large part thanks to this program.

I am thankful that NutriSystem is totally online now. I would not have done well going to the centers. For me, NutriSystem works because I can pick and choose the amount of support I need. I use the tools I need when I need them, and what I need from the program changes. Sometimes I need to read the bulletin boards, sometimes I need to email my counselor, and sometimes I need to use the online diary. I modify my behavior based on what I need at the time. No one "nags me"—instead, I reach out when I need it, and the support is ALWAYS there. Every single person I have come into contact with has treated me with kindness and respect.

Yes, I have to admit, I'm still a bit nervous about reaching my goal. My friend just asked me earlier today to try to think about how I will feel and what I will eat the day AFTER I step on the scale and can say, "Well, I did it!" I'd have to say that I'll bet I'm going to feel proud, I'm going to feel in control, and I'm going to feel thankful for all the support and guidance I've gotten along my journey from so many people. (And I'm going to feel like having an apple martini!)

In a nutshell, I owe my success to my wonderfully supportive family, friends, and to NutriSystem. I know my family is proud of me for losing the weight, and I know I couldn't have done it without them!

– Patti M.

* Results not typical

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