A Success Story
I joined the PEIA Weight Management Program at the end of October 2008. I have lost 30 pounds and many, many inches. I work out at the Petersburg Women’s Wellness Center at least 4 days per week and walk other days at the track. I have fibromyalgia and have noticed that the consistent exercise has lessened the stiffness and pain associated with this disease.
I had blood work done in March and my results were great. I had an appointment with Dr. Bruce Leslie on May 5th. He compared my blood work results with last year’s and indicated that my weight loss has had positive effects for me metabolically, also. Dr. Leslie was very pleased that my HDL’s had increased from 68 to 80. A few years ago my triglycerides were 300+ and in March they were down to 106. My blood pressure readings are within normal limits, average reading for me is now 110/70. I have been a patient of Dr. Leslie’s for 20 years. As he looked back through my chart, he noted that this is the first significant weight loss that I have had. I had attempted many times in the past 20 years to lose weight, with little or no success.
I am very conscious of the foods that I eat, paying close attention to calories, and fat and carbohydrate content. The consultation with the Weight Management Program dietitian has been very beneficial. It has helped make me very conscious of everything that I put in my mouth.
The monthly weigh-in at the Moorefield Wellness Center is a big incentive to keep me on track. And, I have had to buy some new clothes, before losing the 30 pounds; I wore 12’s and 14s. I am now wearing 6’s and 8’s. I am very appreciative of the PEIA Weight Management Program and would recommend it to anyone who wants to lose weight, be healthier, and feel and look better.
Karen Howell
May 14, 2009
Karen Howell, Region 8 PDA
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