Kathy's Story

Two years ago I weighed 260 pounds.  I was taking three blood pressure pills a day, yet my blood pressure was still too high.  I had severe sleep apnea.  My blood sugar was pre-diabetic.  I was even having some problems with my memory and concentration.  I didn’t fit well into airline seats and movie chairs.  I hated how I looked and felt, and yet I couldn’t lose weight.  

I knew something drastic had to be done and had discussed bariatric surgery with my doctor.  She was all for it as she thought it was the final option to save my life. But one evening, my sister called and suggested that I attend Dr. Fuhrman’s week long getaway. She has just attended a weekend getaway and met a woman who lost over a hundred pounds on his diet. My sister said she and her husband would even pay for both me and my husband. I agreed, but as the date of the retreat drew nearer, I had serious qualms. But my sister did not let me back out; I was stuck.

I was so nervous on the first evening of the getaway, but was relieved to see that I wasn’t the only obese person in attendance.  As the week progressed, I found the lectures to be enlightening, and even started enjoying some of the foods. By the end of the week, I had lost about 10 pounds and decided that I might as well try his diet a little longer.

My husband and I discussed how we could change our diet to accommodate our new learning.  We found that the more nutritious the foods, the more satisfying the meals were.  I couldn’t believe that I could steadily lose weight and not be hungry.  By November, I had lost 30 pounds and had never felt deprived.  This wasn’t a diet but truly a life change.

Most of my friends and all of my family were supportive of this new lifestyle change, and these new eating habits rubbed off on them as well.  My 80 year old mother lost about 10 pounds that she’s kept off without dieting.  My fifth grade students clamor for my raw veggies and fruit that I bring as snacks.  They are willing to try healthful foods and are proud of eating wisely. I buy Dr. Fuhrman’s book Disease Proof Your Child as baby shower presents.  At lunch, my colleagues and I share healthful recipes. Success and good nutrition is catching.

Last week I saw my doctor.  I lost 85 pounds so far.  I am successfully down to one blood pressure pill a day (and as I shed the last 30 pounds, I’m convinced that I will be off that medication completely).  My GERD is gone.  My blood work is excellent, no signs of fatty liver and a healthy blood sugar level.  My memory is much better.  I plan to be retested for sleep apnea when I reach my desired weight, but I believe it is almost gone.  My doctor said I was an inspiration.  She even recommended Dr. Fuhrman to a patient who has signed up to attend a getaway.  My doctor said that my sister saved my life.  She and my brother-in-law literally saved my life.

I know that this new (well, it’s a year and 10 months now) diet has changed my life. I have control over my life.  I have my self-respect, and, to quote James Brown, “I feel good!”  Actually, I feel great!