Success Story: Daniela

AKA "Dani" on Weight Loss Resources

Weight Loss History

I once joined the Rosemary Conley slimming club and enjoyed the aerobic sessions bit; did not loose much weight at all because I did not count the calories or follow their advice!

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

Not really. I remember even as a teenager having problems and was prescribed tablets to stop me eating too much. But once I was in England, had got married and suddenly was a step mum to a 4yr old girl, the weight just slowly and steadily was going up and up.

How being overweight has affected you…

My weight has stopped me doing many things because I was so aware of it. Stopped me wearing skirts because my thighs rub together and get quickly sore. Still got a bit of a phobia about public changing rooms so still not going swimming. Only go to the gym in the evenings when I can first change at home and then go home afterwards to have a nice bath.

Also any time I needed to see the GP any illness or problem was always somehow traced back/blamed on being obese. Had to have 2 operations within one year of each other on my left knee where I was also told it was mainly due to being obese. Don’t you just hate that word??

Motivation to Lose Weight

In October/November 2003 my Dad had a heart attack and subsequent 5 bypasses. He was a heavy smoker who gave up smoking 3yrs previously after an aorta operation. Like me he suffers from high blood pressure and was otherwise totally healthy. That shocked me a lot and started me thinking about my fitness and health and how quickly and without warning things can change.

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

Was surfing the web about weight loss and checked out WLR. It looked very interesting and easy to use so I signed up and have not looked back since.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

It was very educational to enter the food I ate into the diary and how see how quickly the calories added up. Shocking really! But then you weigh certain foods, e.g. cereal and I found that my average portion was nearly 3 times the recommended portion! I still find it hard to reach the 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day but I am getting better at it with the diary keeping track.

Other members’ stories and advice is truly invaluable. Somebody always knows the answer to any question you could possibly have. And if you just want to let off steam or have a temper tantrum, no problem! WLR members are there to support you all the way.

Also if I keep losing weight my GP wants to take me off the blood pressure medication in January. I have had all the tests and ruled out any other problems so it is purely down to carrying too much excess weight.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

At the beginning I only used the food diary. Took me weeks before I discovered the message boards! I started to use the message boards and stopped using the diary and my weight loss instantly slowed down (and reversed a bit). Now I have got my head finally sorted and the weight is coming off again. I need to use the diary to keep myself in check and the message boards for inspiration, motivation and support. I love reading other people’s stories (there is always somebody out there who has got it worse than yourself) and encourage them along.

Dani's Tips for Losing Weight

To be successfully able to lose weight you need to have your mind in the right frame or you will struggle or fail. During the summer something clicked for me and now I am really determined to shift all that excess fat. But you have got to be honest with your diary without getting too obsessed. Life is too short so build in treats! Ok my weight loss is nice and slow but I don’t feel like I am on a diet or that I am depriving myself of anything (including chocolate and cheese. Lol!!!).

And the support from my husband is invaluable. He cheers me on and tells everybody how proud he is of me!

Massive thanks to WLR and all the members for inspiration, motivation and endless support! I would not be at my half way stage with weight loss without that. Also I like to believe I have made some new friends and I know I have learned/re-educated myself about food, how much to eat and what I can and should eat.