Committing to get fit
I don’t know if it was the thought of my upcoming 60th birthday, or the fact that my son is graduating from college in a couple months, but I now feel the need to take care of “me.”
So, I have made a commitment to get healthy. Being overweight all of my life, I went from one weight loss plan to another thinking I could read a book, sign up for Weight Watchers or other programs where you buy their foods. When I started those plans, I never felt like I do today-like I don’t have to do this on my own-I have a team of people that can help me through this.
I work for the media and graphic design department at Downers Grove-Illinois based hospital system, Advocate Health Care, where I assist departments and employees on projects. Recently I was working with the Advocate Weight Management Program on creating some of their materials.
As I was amidst the project and learning more about the program, it sounded like a good plan for me. Then once I went to the orientation and talked to Tricia Ligon, manager of the program, I knew it was going to help me reach my goal. I’m not going to share my major goal of how many pounds I want to lose, because that seems so far away. So I am setting smaller goals at a time, with the first being to lose 20 pounds with my sights set of being more healthy and active.
The program has you meet with a physician, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and a behaviorist. The type of plan you choose determines how often you meet with them.
With two plans to choose from, I selected the “Low-Calorie Diet” which allows me to have one meal per day of lean meat and vegetables, a dairy snack and a fruit snack with the rest being meal replacements. I do have a husband to cook for so I wasn’t going to cook for one person. The second plan is a “Very Low-Calorie Diet” with medical supervision and is based on meal replacements. These plans allow slightly larger weight losses that are monitored by the team.
So, this is the first day of the rest of my life – my healthier life. I am hoping this and future blogs will help others take that step for better health.
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About the Author
Debi Jordan, health enews contributor, is senior account rep for the Advocate Health Care Media Center. She is sharing her weight loss journey.
Good for you! I wish you the very best of luck as you start this journey. Thank you so much for sharing.
Way to go Debi! Thank you for sharing your story. I’m still in shock that your coming upon your 60th B-day. Next time you need to share your skin care plan as to how you stay looking so young.
I was thinking the same thing! Way to go Debi!
Good luck Deb!
Congrats on your journey!
Congrats! I started the Advocate Weight mangement program shortly after my 60th b-day and had great success with the program. I too did the LCD!. I have been sustaining now for 4 months. I also tried other programs but something clicked this time. Keep it up! Enjoy the journey!
Thanks, Kathy! Good luck on the sustaining part of the program.
Debi, this is awesome, good for you. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Weight loss is a never ending battle for so many of us! You go girl!!
You’ve been through so much this past year with your surgery. So glad you’ve decided to take care of YOURSELF for a change! Like the others, I cannot believe you’re approaching 60! You could be the poster child for ’60 is the new 40″!!
Way to go Deb!
Even though weight loss and management is ultimately achieved from within, you have support all around you also, outside the program. Very proud of you and rooting for you all the way!!!!!
Congratulations Debi! I’m on a similar journey so I’m cheering for you!
Thanks all for the wonderful support. I’ve even heard from people through personal email that will be starting the journey with me. With the weather finally breaking, it’s time! And to answer the age comments – lots of moisturizer and exfoliation. A doctor once told me a little fat actually keeps the wrinkles away. I think I’d rather be a healthier weight and if the wrinkles come, the advantage of working in healthcare is I know some great docs to take care of that problem!
Congratulations Debi on taking that all important first step towards a healthier new you! We look forward to hearing about your progress!
Good for you, Deb! Thanks for sharing the message that it’s OK to take care of yourself. Please keep us updated on your progress!
Too often I think moms (myself included) don’t put ourself first and I’m glad to hear you are focusing on your health! I need to follow your example since a little “me” time is very healthy.
Debi, as another woman turning 60 this year I want to say, “good for you”. I celebrate your decision to take care of yourself and to focus on wellness. You have inspired me to think about taking this journey myself.
Felicidades Debi on taking the first steps towards a healthier you.
Thanks for sharing, I didn’t know about this plan at advocate. I just turned 50 and gave been struggling with the exact same issues, but thanks to you I’m going to check into this. Good luck on your journey, it’s time for us moms, wives and caretakers to take care of OURSELVES!
Bravo! Looking forward to updates on your progress.
great for you! rooting for you…sue
So happy to be a part of your journey and hear your progress! We are all behind you and you are already looking amazing and so happy!! Go Debi!! 🙂
You go Deb!! This is awesome.
What locations at Advocate have this program?
Currently it’s at Advocate Condell Medical Center at the Centre Club in Libertyville, The Centre Club in Gurnee, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.They are currently seeking physicians to expand to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and also Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Congratulations Deb! The first step is the hardest. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you be successful in achieving your goals.
I am nearing age 60 and feel the same. I was doing well at changing but then hit a wall and can’t seem to get back on track. How can I get on this program? I am retired and have BCBS PPO so I think I am covered to have this program. Any information would be appreciated. I admire your help in telling us about your journey.
Thanks Audrey – call 847.990.5770 or e-mail them at
advocateweightmanagement@advocatehealth.com. They do run an orientation meeting to fully explain the program and will actually check with your insurance company to confirm coverage. It does take a commitment to the program, but I have to say so far I am so pleased with the meal replacements and the results. Stay tuned for future blogs!
Thanks, Chris!
Thanks for sharing the journey you’re about to venture, Debi. Good luck!
You GO Girl! Also, this is a great photo!
Best of luck on your journey. You can do it!
Way to go Debi! You can do it!
Wow, Deb! This is awesome. Thank you for sharing your story, and best of luck to you on your journey, my friend. I’m so excited for you! By the way, 60 looks fab on you. Keep up the great work!!
Goodluck with your new Diet. That is one step closer to a healthier life. Your commitment to get healthy is inspiring.
-Jane Wallace