June 2012 scshview_2012-06.pdf - Sun City Shadow Hills

When I quit smoking 29 years ago, I gained 30
pounds. The doctor assured me that quitting was the
right thing to do, but I was discouraged by the weight
gain. I have lost and gained those 30 pounds ten times
over the years. I feel better when I’ve lost weight. Then
another vacation, holiday, or special occasion rolls around
and bam! It’s back on. I’m a lifetime member of Weight
Watchers stuck in a rut.
I thought that the Fitness Center’s six-week summer
program, Beat the Heat, starting July 2, might help; but
I needed some motivation. So I asked four residents how
they manage their weight-loss trials and tribulations.
Each person had a different reason for initially losing
weight. And each uses a different program or method.
But they all agreed that it takes time and dedication.
Ken Fails had a diagnosis of a
pre-diabetic medical condition
that started him on a low-carb,
low-fat eating program. He never
considered a “diet” because he
didn’t feel the need to lose
weight. He just wanted to be
healthy. Ken lost about ten
pounds on his own. Then, his
doctor suggested he attend a pre-diabetes education
class. He learned about portion size, what foods are
better for you, and the importance of exercise and eating
regular meals. He lost another 30 pounds within a year
and is hoping to cut back or eliminate some of his
medications. Ken said that, if you pay attention to
portion size of low carb, low fat meals and exercise every
day, it will be easier to maintain a healthy life style.
12
How they did it:
Weight Loss Stories
BY BONNIE TUCKER
Photos By Sid Weiss
Bettan Tomassino was very
heavy as a young adult and first
tried diet pills prescribed by her
doctor. She initially lost 20
pounds but was sick from the
pills. She then decided to try it
on her own, with help from her
friends. She changed her diet
and started going to the gym.
Within a year, Bettan was down about 50 pounds. After
a small set-back, she joined Weight Watchers. She lost
another 20 pounds and credits the Fitness Center for her
motivation to keep it off.
Myron Crespin watched his
wife lose weight and realized it
was his time to “get real.” He
returned from a vacation in
Europe last year and knew he
had to do something. His doctor
suggested a program of Medifast
drinks during the day plus a
healthy meal of protein and
salad at dinner. He was never hungry on the program, it
was easy to follow, and he lost 30 pounds in three
months. There was a rough patch over the holidays, but
Myron admits it was due to not eating right and missing
his exercise. He’s happy to say that he’s back on track
now. He said that the key is to keep working whatever
“diet program” you are following and to exercise.
June 2012 Tune in to Channel 98 · Log on to www.scshca.com