Tula

Age: 50-something

Lost 39 pounds

Completed Program November 2005

I decided to join the 20/20 program because I noticed that I was not able to lose the ten or fifteen pounds that I always lost with the Atkins diet. In fact, I had steadily gained more weight after each diet. Having just past 50 years old, I knew that I was at risk of wrecking my health. Even though my husband complimented me, I knew that I no longer looked good. I wore baggy sweats in the day and strictly black layers at night.

When I attended the 20/20 introductory seminar, I found that everything that Dr. Dedomenico said about behavior applied to me. I had decided that I would die early with stains of whipped cream on my face! Mark informed us that we would not be dying early and we had to decide what we wanted the quality of our lives to be like in the future. I had to wait until I returned from my trip to Greece in the summer of 2003 to begin. It took 6 months to go from a size 16 to a size 4 and reach my college weight. The next picture was taken in Maui in June of 2004. I am with my nephew, who is a former trainer, and I am begging to have my picture taken in my bathing suit. I haven’t done that since college!

I loved learning through the videos while I warmed up on the exercise bikes during the program. They taught me to eat like a human being. I try to balance my carbohydrates with fats and protein, and I try to spread them out throughout the day. I learned why I must take vitamins, be vigilant about my health and to make time for exercise. If I gain a few pounds, I have learned how to start over again and lose weight the healthy way. There won’t be any more liquid diets for me! I have learned that this will be a life long program of health and a permanent lifestyle change.

I love the fact that it is fun being on the program! The friendly, caring attitude of the doctors, dietitians, trainers, PRO Sports Club staff and 20/20 friends made the program easy. Without being too sappy, the PRO Sports Club became a home away from home. It is a nurturing place to achieve a big goal and try new things.

I have also learned to love hiking. To my amazement, I like going up hill the best! I climbed Mt. Si this past year. I get a thrill each time I see it and know that I was at the top! I feel lucky to be able to experience the beauty of the Northwest in a way not possible before. I have taken a few tennis lessons and may turn into a tennis player one day. And, I enjoy jogging. With the encouragement of my 20/20 friends, I plan to participate in some charity runs.

Thank you! 20/20 put me back in control, gave my family more time with a healthy me, and gave me a lot to be proud of!