How long I’ve kept it off: My name is Wendy Miller. I started my weight loss journey last September when I joined the UAMS Weight Control Program. At that time I weighed 291.2 pounds. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. That would put me at 191.2 pounds which is still considered obese being that I’m 5-4. I just want to become healthier. As of today, I’ve lost 42 pounds.
Personal life: I work for the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance. I’m part of the financial unit for Independent Choices. I have a 9-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. I’ve been married to my husband, Earnest, for four years. We live in North Little Rock just outside the city limits. We have one dog and one cat.
Keeping track of progress: At first I weighed every Wednesday, but now I just weigh on the first of every month. Since I started the Naturally Slim program, I weigh and take measurements. I also have marbles in a vase. The marbles represent the pounds I want to lose.
Turning point: I knew I had to work on my health when I went in for a check-up with my physician and I weighed 298. It freaked me out. It scared me. Also, I had no energy. Sometimes my daughter had to tuck my son into bed because I was too weak to do it or I was already asleep.
Exercise routine: I walk at lunch with a couple of my coworkers in the Central Office parking lot. We walk a floor then go down the stairs and walk that floor. We walk and do the stairs for at least 30 minutes. I also have a DeskCycle. When I’m not too busy, I try to cycle about 10 mph for 30 minutes. I started exercising when the Blue & You Fitness Challenge began.
What’s your diet plan: I used 1600 calorie diet. I mostly eat meal replacement shakes and bars, with a salad for lunch on Saturday. This allows me to eat a meal at a restaurant with my family. That meal plan worked for a while, but I ultimately switched to meal replacement shakes at work and for snacks I eat fruits and veggies.
Biggest challenge: I plateaued at 248.4 pounds. It was so discouraging. When the Blue & You Fitness Challenge started I saw an opportunity to finally get over my plateau. It worked for me. I now have shirts that are too big.
How life has changed: I now have a lot of energy. I even have enough energy to play a Wii game with my children when I get home from work. I work all day and come home and dance with my children. It’s amazing how much better I feel. My advice is to never give up. What works for one person, might not work for another.
Cutline: The photo shows Wendy Miller at her current weight.
