Saratoga Woman Avoids Scalpel...through Determination And Positive Attitude

(Friday, September 01, 2006) - About a year ago Vicki Johnston's doctor gave her an ultimatum to lose weight. Her cholesterol and triglycerides were high, and being overweight was impacting her health. He suggested two options: bariatric surgery, or Lite for Life. His own daughter had tried the Lite for Life program and had tremendous success.

Vicki met with the surgeon first. After a 1 1/2 hour consultation, she decided surgery wasn't the right option for her. She made an appointment with Lite for Life of Saratoga the next day. That's when everything fell into place. "It just sort of clicked for me," she explains. "I made up my mind, accepted it, and I haven't looked back since."

"I remember when I first started the program, I sort of challenged my counselors," Vicki remembers. "This is what you're telling me is going to happen, so I better see some results!" She needn't have worried. Since starting the Lite For Life program, Vicki has lost 86 1/2 pounds and over 80 inches. She tossed her size 24 clothes and replaced them with a brand new wardrobe of size 12's. Her cholesterol and triglycerides are down to healthy levels and her doctor is singing her praises.

And so are a lot of other people. "At first the compliments from people were a little overwhelming," she says, but she's gradually become comfortable with them. "Now when people tell her how great she looks, she replies, "Thanks! And I feel great too!"

"Vicki is fantastic," says Laurel Garwin, one of Vicki's Lite For Life Counselors. "She follows the Program to a ‘T'. She's been really driven and dedicated."

Beyond the weight loss, Vicki has noticed a huge difference in her energy levels and how she feels on a daily basis. In the morning, she says, she bounces out of bed, ready for the day to begin. "I love how I feel when I eat this way. I love the energy. I don't get up in the morning thinking, ‘Oh my God, I'm still fat'."

Vicki credits her counselors with helping to educate her so that she can make the right decisions regarding her food choices. "I know how foods will affect me, so now I choose foods for what they can do for me rather than what they're going to do to me."

She has put that knowledge to work in the kitchen. Formerly a self described "lazy, drive-thru-ATM eater," Vicki has found ways to turn healthy food into fast food. On Sundays, she cooks turkey burgers and chicken breasts and measures them into 3 oz. portions that she puts into ziploc bags. She also has fresh vegetables peeled and prepped so they're easy to grab and go. "All you need to add is some fruit and some healthy starch, and you're set for lunch," she explains.

With most of her protein prepped, she microwaves vegetables and potatoes to have hot dinners ready in minutes. Vicki has found that experimenting with spices has kept her from getting bored with her foods. "I used to never cook," she says, "but the Lite for Life recipes are easy and keep my meals interesting and tasty."

Her advice to others hoping to lose weight is to stay focused on the present. "It may seem like you need a long time to lose the weight, but be proud that you're doing something about it. Then you become happy right away, and time flies when you're having fun!"

She's inspired four of her co-workers and several family members to join Lite for Life. But most importantly, Vicki is feeling great, everyday. "The sense of accomplishment is so tremendous! It's the best thing I've done since having my daughter" she says.

Congratulations Vicki! We'll see you at Lite for Life of Saratoga for your weekly weigh-in on the maintenance program.

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