Success Story #54

Name: R. O'Connor
Improvement: 20+ lbs Weight Loss
Time: 3 months
Program: 2016 Total Transformation Challenge - Summer Challenge

​What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
The biggest challenge was combatting the lethargy, physically and mentally. After 2+ years of treatments which all had the side effect of lethargy, I was determined not to live my life like that.  The biggest obstacle was the lack of motivation that had totally taken over my mind and body.  My body was tired and my mind was accepting of that. I had to force my mind to change, and not accept that all there was in life was going home to shower and bed. Enduring some slight soreness to get fit after all I had been subjected to with the treatments, would be nothing compared to that. I had to make the mental effort to get fit again. It really was a case of mind over matter.  Life it to be lived, not buried under a cloud of tiredness and total lack of motivation. 
 
 What motivated you to stay on the course?
I was part of a Team and though I could not do the challenges I did push myself to contribute as much as I was able to for the Team. Seeing them each week in the corridor or at lunch kept me motivated to keep going. The weekly update sent out by Rami made me keep on target when I saw the results of our Team. I did not know my Team members when I started as they were not in my Department, but I have come to enjoy seeing them and asking after their progress and to see them doing so well with their fitness/diet goals.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
Some of the treatments really wreaked havoc with my entire body including my digestive system, including my taste and my smell. I consulted a Dietician who not only revised my diet but taught me how my body processes protein, starches etc. I thought I knew, how wrong I was. He balanced my diet so that I got my energy when I needed it and protein to repair the damage done during treatment. When he analyzed my diet I was not eating enough (I know I was shocked!) so he added vegetables and protein for more snacks throughout my day. It was the best thing I did for myself and my husband. I never feel hungry now and I want to eat healthy, good food.  I added several vitamins to combat the neuropathy and I increased my fluid intake, cut out soda and sugar. I still indulge in a small piece of cake for morning tea. One has to enjoy life as well.
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results?
You have to take it steady each day and slowly it builds up. At the beginning I did 1 mile and had to go home to bed.  Now I do 2-3 a day and you feel great. I miss it if I don’t walk now. One foot in front of the other. Get with a team of people who will help you when you really are not at your best, and help them when they are needing help – it gets you out of yourself.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
I intend to keep on my eating plan and to weigh in each week at the EWC. It is not an option. It is the only way to keep going forward. It is now my only way of living.  When I exercise I sleep better, when I eat healthy I have so much more energy and hence am not tired next day. I have energy to do the things I like and to be effective in my life.