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Before
After
270 pounds lost
5’ 11”
Valley Center, KS
TOPS KS 0414
"I was
inspired our TOPS Leader, Bonnie Voeglei, and her weight-loss story."
At my August 4, 2008, TOPS meeting, I weighed 493 pounds. I had high
blood pressure, sleep apnea, and was worn out all the time.
The remarks made to me by others made me feel ridiculed. There’s no
describing how humiliated I felt when a biker yelled at me to "get out
of the golf cart and walk" at a company golf tournament. I had no
self-esteem and despised what I saw in the mirror. I avoided social
situations, keeping mostly to myself.
In December 2008, I was inspired our TOPS Leader, Bonnie Voeglei, and
her weight-loss story. She had been successful with a doctor-supervised
low-carb diet. I began following that same diet, starting my weight-loss
“marathon.” In just two short weeks, I began to see results. I couldn’t
keep making excuses for my weight, so I presented the idea of printing
NMX—no more excuses—on the front of our TOPS chapter shirts.
I was eating between 1,000 and 1,200 calories per day with my
carbohydrate count under 25 grams. I kept a food journal and started
drinking at least 120 ounces of water daily. I began exercising for 15
minutes, three days per week on a stationary bike. Now, I take three to
five spin classes per week. My wife is also eating healthier and
exercising with me. My blood pressure is normal and the sleep apnea is
gone. I have my life back and my confidence back.
There are three important parts to my successful weight loss program:
1. Determination -- no more excuses.
2. Have a plan: for me it was
a) Support -- Friends, family, and TOPS.
b) Diet -- Find what works for you and always doctor
supervised.
c) Exercise -- Three 30-minute aerobic sessions and three
strength-training
sessions per week, allowing one day for rest.
3. Follow through with your plan - - the
best plans fail if you don't follow through with them!
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