"At this point, gastric bypass is really your only hope," said the doctor, concern on her face. She was reading Debbie Rondinelli's latest tests, which showed dangerously high blood pressure and cholesterol, full-blown diabetes, and a fatty liver-all getting worse in a hurry. "Your body can't support your current weight much longer." She handed her a surgeon's card. The Connecticut grandmother took it, her heart beating faster. No surgery, she thought. No way. But when Debbie opened her mouth to ask for other options, all that came out was a defeated sigh. After all, what else was she going to do? She'd tried every pill and plan out there, and yet she was still carrying 325 pounds. She was always tired, achy, and often sad. "You don't have to decide today," the doctor added. "But do it soon, or it may be too late."
After dinner with her husband Massimo, Debbie reluctantly typed 'gastric bypass' in her laptop. Article after article confirmed the procedure could be a miracle for some. But folks who didn't change their eating habits lost little weight or even gained. That'll be me, she thought with despair.
Debbie tried to eat less with some success. Yet she was at a low point when Massimo's supervisor, Jen, asked the couple to join Weight Watchers with her. Debbie had already failed at the program. "We're too busy," she fibbed. Jen emailed Debbie again. "It's your boss. I have to say yes," she told Massimo. But even as she agreed, she was thinking: I won't last a month.
First small steps
Esta historia es de la edición September 19, 2022 de Woman's World.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 19, 2022 de Woman's World.
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Christmas morning marvels
Delight loved ones with prep-ahead breakfasts that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up
A Christmas list for love
While volunteering at a charity, Sharee Walker meets a charming 'Santa' with whom sparks fly as they bond over spreading holiday cheer
Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!
Oscar Morris knows firsthand how disabled vets are hesitant to use a cane, but today more than 1,000 former soldiers get around with his special canes that aid balance and display the story of their service
"God's love is our greatest gift!"
From her breakout role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years to authoring 11 acclaimed math books to being a wife, mother and the star of three holiday films this season, one would think Danica McKellar has success down to a science. But life has dealt her some outliers, like a tough divorce and a fear of failure. Here, how faith and family keep her joy-filled and stress-free during the holidays
"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"
Here, simple ways to boost your energy levels physically, mentally and emotionally
She lost 118 lbs at age 56!
Want to unlock your maximum ability to get lean in 2025? Then find a weight-loss app you like and use it on your phone, tablet or computer. Recent studies show the simple strategy can give you such a huge boost, you'll literally quadruple your results compared to dieting without an app. \"If you want to set yourself up for success, it really is the way to go,\" confirms University of Vermont's Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., who has conducted exciting research on the approach. Meanwhile, California reader Debbie Ramos, 56, says she's living proof of how much apps can help. After struggling on every diet under the sun, \"I tried using an app, and it changed everything,\" she shares. \"I'm down 118 pounds so far.\" Keep reading for Debbie's inspiring story and to find the app that can help you most.
"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"
After suffering from constant worry that impacted her physical and mental health, Joni Ogle, 52, discovered a natural remedy... and its calming effects soon completely changed her life
Indulge and feel great!
It's time to eat, drink and be merry! And these clever strategies will help you enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without body backlash
Boost muscle and rev metabolism
Muscle strength naturally declines around 3% each year after middle age, according to University of Pittsburgh research. But simple strategies help counteract age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) by building lean muscle. This boosts your metabolism and accelerates fat burning, all while increasing your strength!
Soothe arthritis aches naturally
Baking cookies with the grandkids, knitting a scarf for a loved one, wrapping gifts-it's the season for fun holiday activities...that may also cause arthritis to flare up. But you don't have to let sore joints stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. We reveal the easy ways to soothe arthritis pain naturally
