Just Call Him ‘Slim’--and Determined

For the past six years, I have required dialysis treatment, which cleans my blood, in three five-hour sessions a week. When I checked in as a hemodialysis patient at my dialysis center, I weighed a hefty 360 pounds. However, about nine months ago, I decided to make a dramatic lifestyle change and also begin a high-protein / low-carbohydrate diet.

The change in my lifestyle in conjunction with my dieting has resulted in a loss of 95 pounds, leaving me only 35 pounds away from my goal.

My arduous journey began when my friend and co-worker Maxine asked me to go on a diet with her. Because I had weighed about 360 pounds for 10 years or so, my immediate thought about dieting was one of skepticism; I believed only a miracle would help me.

Nonetheless, after deep contemplation, I decided to make a commitment to myself and give the diet a try for two months.

After two weeks, I felt great, but I didn’t notice any weight loss. I remained confident, however, that I was doing the best thing for myself. When my two months of eating grapefruit, salads and other healthful (low-fat and protein-rich) foods ended, I was 25 pounds lighter and I felt like a champ. My co-workers told me I looked different, and my family and friends began noticing the weight loss.

The attention and compliments not only motivated me to lose more, but also made me realize that my efforts were not in vain. I began going to a gym on the days that I didn’t have dialysis. My routine includes the treadmill for an hour and the stationary bicycle for 20 minutes. To relax and rid myself of the extra fluids that accumulate in my body between treatments, I end my workout in the steam room and in the sauna.

Now instead of eating out for lunch while at work, my wife, some co-workers and I walk around the neighborhood for half an hour.

Thanks to my new surge of energy, I participate in activities that many take for granted, such as gardening, washing my cars, going for weekend bike rides and taking long, leisurely walks. I have acquired a new nickname--”Slim”--and when I reach my goal weight, I am going to celebrate with a huge shopping spree.

Family, friends, co-workers, my dietitian, Charlene, the staff at the dialysis center and my wife, Rose, have been my inspirations in this endeavor, and I thank them.

Vital Statistics:

Name: Clifford DeBose

Age: 44

Old weight: 360 pounds

New weight: 265 pounds

Height: 6 feet, 3 inches

Time to get there: 11 1/2 months