“If I can do it, anyone can do it."

3

As a young woman, Sue was quite an active person and a dancer. However after getting married and having three children she noticed unhealthy habits start to creep into her day. On top of her already busy schedule, her son was born with Spina Bifida and required frequent stays in hospital.

“Takeaway was such a quick, cheap and easy option back then. With three children it was so easy to get chips and nuggets on the way home from the hospital,” says Sue. “Like many mums, I also found myself cleaning up the kids’ plates once they were done. When money’s tight you don’t like to see things go to waste.”

The weight crept on as Sue noticed her unhealthy patterns becoming more prevalent with a busy work schedule, getting the kids to after school sports and also being a leader in the scout movement.

“I was always putting others first and the result was that there was no structured pattern to my eating. If we had fresh fruit around, I always made sure it went to the kids first,” recalls Sue.

Recently, after an accident at the school where she worked, Sue found herself laid up in bed with a bad back and knee.

“It was devastating,” says Sue. “Due to health and safety regulations I had no one to help me do simple things like get up out of bed and turn over. On top of that my doctor had told me I would become insulin dependent if I didn’t start taking care of my Diabetes properly.”

Sue had her light bulb moment. After seeing an advertisement for the Wesley LifeShape Clinic, she took a good hard look at herself in the mirror. “I remember thinking to myself, I wonder if I can do this, can they help me?” recalls Sue. “That same night my husband came home and said he’d been enquiring with the Wesley and did I want to try it.  I knew it was some kind of sign!”

Since starting the program, Sue has been nothing but positive and worked very hard at improving her health and lifestyle.

“I felt so comfortable with my primary Dietitian. I told her from the beginning I would be completely honest with her, and I have,” admits Sue. “She listened to me. I felt so respected and she never spoke down to me. I just clicked with her.”

With the help of Wesley LifeShape Clinic, living a healthy lifestyle had finally “clicked” for Sue. She’s even helped transform her whole family’s outlook on healthy eating and exercise.

“My whole family has been nothing but supportive. I love them dearly and would do anything for them but I told them it was my time. This is all about me for the next 12 months!” explains Sue. Having a support network around her really assisted Sue on her journey to healthy living. She often found herself passing on healthy tips to everyone around her.

“My son-in-laws would call me and say, we’re cooking a roast for dinner – what can you have? That was so great,” states Sue. “I’m much more in tune with my body now. I listen to my body to know when I need energy. It’s like a light switch goes on in my head. I make healthy swaps as well. So if I’m craving an éclair I will have a meal replacement bar. Or if I’m going to Subway or the Kebab shop for lunch, I know the best choices for me.”

After losing 37kg^ Sue’s kids have to try and keep up with her!

“When I think back to how I was before I lost the weight, I realise I didn’t really like me. I would think, oh why bother with how I looked because I was overweight. The first thing I would do when I went out was look for a place to sit down,” says Sue. “Now I’m faster than my husband who’s also lost a few kilograms since I’ve been encouraging my whole family to make positive lifestyle changes. I also play soccer with my grandkids, swim in the pool and run around the playground with them.”

Sue admits there were difficulties along the way. Sometimes she finds it hard at social gatherings while others are mindlessly snacking on nibbles. However since learning so much while on the program, Sue knows how those extra calories really add up.

SueAfterImage1 SueBeforeImage1 “I don’t really feel like I’m ever missing out. People ask me what I’ve been doing and I just tell them I’m eating healthy and exercising,” explains Sue. “I love my bubbly once a week. I share a drop or two with my neighbour – I didn’t want to give that up and that was ok. I had tried all the other weight loss companies but really found my answer at the Wesley.”

After the completion of her core LifeShape program, Sue opted to join a follow on program so she could pop into the clinic every fortnight just to touch base.

“On my off-week I actually miss my Tuesday appointments with my Dietitian! The months went by so quickly. Before the program I thought I would have trouble finding the time to come in but I’ve managed it well. I get so excited before coming in so we can check on my progress,” says Sue.

Sue’s also really enjoying the positive comments from friends and family.

“People don’t even recognise me at first – they do a double take,” laughs Sue. “Recently I was shopping for an outfit for my daughter’s wedding, and when I came out of the dressing room everyone comment on how great I looked. I’ve gone from a size 22/24 to a 12/14. I can walk in anywhere and buy lovely new clothes.”

When looking back at old photos, Sue remembers her lower quality of life well. “It’s hard to believe when I look back at old photos of me. Now, when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I’m still not used to the new reflection!” says Sue. “People say to me I was worried about you back then, you were always huffing and puffing after walking up stairs.”

Sue has some advice for anyone thinking of doing the program.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it. The cost was an obstacle for me at first but I knew I needed to do something. I had my light bulb moment and knew there was no turning back," says Sue. "You will need to have your own light bulb moment.

“I would just like to thank my husband and children, their partners, my close friends and Wesley for the help, encouragement and support I have received throughout the program. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love you all," says Sue.

Results may vary. To find out what you can achieve on your LifeShape Program book a no obligation initial assessment with one of our Dietitians, call 1800 567 348. Alternatively you can register your interest online.




 

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Our Disclaimer: All client testimonials are genuine accounts of experiences on the LifeShape program. Due to the personalised nature of the LifeShape program, results may vary based on an individual’s compliance, motivation and personal history.

Acknowledgement to Country: LifeShape Clinic acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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