Obesity Wake-up Call: Changing Course (4 of 4)

Emily Checks InThe past month provides only a glimpse into a longer journey for Emily Scoggins.  During the month of February, she lost nearly 5 pounds.  While the month proved productive, the Media Specialist with the Whitfield County School System dropped nearly 70-pounds over the last year.

Emily says "but I came through and I did good, so I'm glad I made it through."  She never paid much attention to the pounds.  Emily focused on putting good things in her body... and pushing herself during workouts.

Even though she learned how to commit to exercise and proper nutrition, as far as she's concerned... she's just getting started.  "I don't really have like a size of clothes or weight I want to weigh, I just see myself as a stronger, smaller, faster person, someone who is active."

Getting back on the path of good health, Victoria Bordelon increased her exercise regimen, although not as much as originally planned.  "I'm out during the day and seeing clients and they have crisis and I'm with them or on the phone..." says Victoria.

As warmer weather arrives, she expects to cycle more outside.  Still, she admits she needs more accountability when it comes to food... And signed up for the "Self" magazine challenge.  "Really probably the worst thing for me is eating on the run, my husband is in school and its much easier to run out and grab something than it is to make something healthy at home for just me," says Victoria.

Heather Curry has a weakness with food too, "breads and pastas and such that watching my carbs was the best thing, so I kind of follow a diabetic diet."  Heather checked in at the end of the month a couple of pounds lighter, which pleases her considering she went on vacation.

Since changing course, she's slimmed down about 50-pounds.  Heather says "throughout the year its been a constant battle between oh yeah I've lost some weight, but I've gained muscle also."  She hopes her recent lifestyle adjustment decreased her chances of having a heart attack.  "I think it will always be a long road ahead, I still have a goal for weight loss. I didn't gain it all in one year, it took a lifetime."

Tommy Crump also hopes his new found lifestyle will keep him out of the doctors office.  Over the last week, he gained about a pound and a half... But ended the month three-pounds lighter.  "We're going to fall off the wagon. The biggest thing for me was to quit beating myself up about it.  I can take a week off from the gym and then go back."

Tommy's lost nearly 70-pounds since changing course.  Now holding at 228-pounds, he aims to one day weigh-in at 200.  "And I hope 5 or 10 years from now people can look back and say for his age, he's in pretty good shape."

Tommy, Heather, and Emily all used Memorial's Weight Management program to provide structure and accountability.

To find out more about the program, visit this website or call 423-495-2244.