Lora and her family helping at the LiveWell booth.

  1. Why did you decide to LiveWell ?
    When LiveWell was advertising their kick-off, I was up to 325 lbs with uncontrolled hypertension even with 3 blood pressure medicines and my physician mentioned putting me on cholesterol medication.  My dad was going in for his second heart bypass surgery, my sister was diagnosed with diabetes, my mother and brother had a stent put in their coronary artery.  Both my grandparents died of heart disease.  I was scared and knew I needed to do something.  I went to the kick-off with my husband and son at Lincoln Park and committed to exercise and to pay attention to my portion sizes.  LiveWell helped tremendously with the offerings of discounted health memberships, pedometer, and support from other community members just like me. 

  1. How has Living Well affected you & others in your life?
    My husband purchased a bicycle from Brown Cycles (after my husband just about got run over when the fellow drove through Chris’s front window) for me and I began to ride.  It wasn’t easy for me to peddle (or move) with the overexcess of weight.  I began selecting healthier food choices.  I was able to lose 11 pounds but still had my blood pressure out-of-control.  My food addiction is a monster and my portion sizes were difficult to control.   Several times I wanted to call it quits.  But then, inspiration hit.  Kim was the featured speaker at the fall LiveWell wrap-up dinner and I signed myself and mom up.  The evening was wonderful.  I purchased a Kim cookbook.  The LiveWell staff was welcoming and provided a wonderfully healthy and filling meal.  It was a fun evening to see people of the community Living Well and winning prizes too.  If Kim could do it, I could do it.  I, once again, committed to tackling my food addiction.  I went to my physician (who is a supporter of the LiveWell program) who sent me to a dietitian.  From there, I was referred to a psychologist because “I am crazy about food.�  I am now 105 lb lighter and only 40 lbs. away from my goal.  I have more energy than ever before and am able to ride that bike.   I take NO blood pressure medicine and it is in the normal range.  My cholesterol level is 170 with NO meds.

    LiveWell and my success has inspired my family to take the Challenge.  My son is going to attempt more vegetables and fruits.  He told me in his Food Science class that none of the kids where getting their required daily fruit and vegetable serving.  What has the fast food services done for us?  How sad.  I am lucky that my food addiction loves fruits and vegetables too but my son can hardly stand the thought.  My friends are remarkable and have jumped on the weight loss bandwagon but my co-workers are the ones that are really slimming down.  Between myself, my boss and two other co-workers, we have lost 213 pounds.  Living Well is contagious.
  1. What's the key to your success ?
    Support from family and friends.  Keeping active.  And Dr. Tillquist & CJ making me face my food addiction.

  1. How else are you involved in LiveWell ?
    I asked to volunteer for LiveWell.  I wanted to be active in a surrounding that would assist me to LiveWell.  I got lots more than I bargained for.  They have given so much to me.  I cannot say enough about the people working for the LiveWell organization.  They are so welcoming, encouraging, supportive, proud, helpful….. I could go on and on about the staff that has kept me going.
  1. What's the greatest challenge to Living Well ?How have you overcome this challenge? 
    My greatest challenge is my food addiction and with any addiction, you have it forever.  I take it one day at a time and I realize food is my nutrition, not my pacifier.  Honestly, it is something I struggle with daily.

  1. What's the greatest reward for Living Well?
     My cholesterol is below normal.  I don’t take medicines.  I can move and my son and husband are so proud of me.  And it is real nice to have the positive recognition from acquaintances.
  1. What advice do you have for others? Do you have anything else to add?
    Don’t give up.  Use this community-wide, free Challenge to LiveWell:  meet other people that have the same LiveWell challenges that you face, get your free support, friendships, and discount card.

    I am hoping to develop a support group for persons wanting, needing, or already have had weight loss surgery.  That is something our community is lacking.  There are many people in this community that could benefit from a support group to discuss their issues of food addiction that brought on the morbid obesity or any questions, support they may need.  Luckily, I have the type of personality that asks for support and takes advantage of it when it’s available. 


    Thanks LiveWell, for guiding me to Live Well!