"You'll have to lose 20 pounds before we can schedule gastric bypass," the surgeon said to Paulette Szalay. "It'll reduce the risk of complications, speed recovery and improve long-term success." The New Jersey grandmother sighed. "Twenty pounds," she repeated softly. For most people her size, it wasn't much. But due to a slow thyroid, her body was basically stuck in gain-gain-gain mode. She tried diets, but just got bigger and sicker. She was always tired, her reflux and blood pressure steadily worsening. Surgery was my best hope to feel good again, she thought. Now I can't have it unless I lose weight. "I don't know if I can do it," Paulette admitted to the doctor. Was it time to give up?
As a cold winter dragged on, Paulette and her husband, Keith, went to visit her parents in Florida. Unable to stop using snacks and sweets for energy and stress relief, she arrived miserable, too tired and sad to put on a bathing suit. So she found herself on the beach fully clothed, watching everyone have fun. She spied plenty of women about her age—in the water, playing with grandkids, basking in the sun. She stared and stared. And a longing stirred inside her. I want to be like them, Paulette realized. I want to be healthy and happy.
Paulette recalled the surgeon promising weight loss was possible despite her thyroid. She’d even referred Paulette to a nutritionist. I’m going to try, Paulette decided.
Ready for a fresh start
Denne historien er fra October 23, 2023-utgaven av Woman's World.
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Denne historien er fra October 23, 2023-utgaven av Woman's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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
