Tracey Wygal

HER STORY--SHE'S JUST LIKE YOU...

"My weight loss story begins about eight years ago when I approached 300 pounds. It was my first year out of college and that number, along with being diagnosed as morbidly obese, was very frightening. I went to several doctors trying to get them to prescribe me a weight loss pill- none would do it. I thought it was the only way I could achieve weight loss. I was wrong in a number of ways. One, I thought my diet was good but, in reality, I was consuming so many excess calories. I also thought I was getting enough exercise when I really didn’t know what true exercise really was. I was in denial. Without having any surgery like gastric bypass, I ended up losing close to 120 pounds and am maintaining the weight loss. It is possible but it takes great will power and a true desire to stick with a lifestyle change of diet and exercise.

The diet: One doctor who I went to for a weight loss pill suggested that I go on a 1600 calorie diet. I was just blown away! I thought it was impossible! I didn’t do this right away. But eventually, I was so frustrated with myself, that I started a food diary and counted my calories daily. I was amazed by how many calories I was eating! The food diary showed me that I really needed to get my food intake under control and helped me maintain my diet realistically. I was never taught about healthy eating habits, never measured out my food or had a restricted diet before. This was a big change. But I was determined to lose the weight. I stuck to it and soon the pounds started to come off. Seven years later, I am still counting my calories, moderating portions and eating healthy and clean! There are many books and online resources available on calorie and other information about all foods, including fast food and restaurant numbers. Check them out!

Exercise: When I first started my diet, I was too embarrassed to go to the gym. So I bought an elliptical machine for my apartment. I started out at 15 minutes a day. It was about all I could do at first. I didn’t give up though. Gradually, my endurance improved. After losing about 30 pounds, I decided to join a small gym. I worked with a trainer for the first time in my life and began a short strength training program. This is where my love for the gym started and I began to really “take shape”. After several months of working out at this small gym, I met the manager of Gold’s Gym and he gave me a tour. I was leery of such a big gym but I soon found out there are all kinds of people that go to the gym-there was no reason to be scared or embarrassed. I joined right away. I researched different workouts and especially got into weights. I also made a lot of great friends who helped motivate me to keep working hard-a great added bonus! Since I started, I am at the gym five or six days a week.

With diet and exercise, these two components, I lost 118 pounds over a course of about three years. Yes, it did take a long time! It will not happen overnight. My main words of advice are to just be strong and stay dedicated to your program. Know that it will take time but it is worth it in the end. I feel my life, my future, my health and my self-image have changed in a positive way. Anything is possible with determination and consistency! Stick with it!"