Chelly N. - Loses 90lbs; Overcomes Accident
Choosing To Live
Survivor loses 90 lbs.* after debilitating car accident
Some people say they’ve been struggling with their weight their entire lives, but I can reference a specific moment in time when my battle began.
Nine years ago, I was involved in a horrible car accident which left me with several herniated discs in my back and neck. I spent 18 months in physical therapy, constantly in pain, and my activity level was at an all time low. Within just 6 months after my accident, I had gained over 40 pounds, which only caused me more pain. And that was just the beginning.
My name is Chelly, and this is my story.
For the next few years, I bounced around from pain therapist to pain therapist, searching for a way to relieve the pain in my back and neck. I was going through personal struggles as well, and my weight yo-yoed between the 160s and 190s.
During the summer of 2005, I began a new teaching job that was extremely exciting, and on New Year’s Eve, 2005, I married my husband. My life was happy, but stressful. I had daily struggles dealing with behavioral issues teaching at a program for teenage girls, and trying to blend two families into one at home. It all resulted in another 30+ pounds gained.
By the fall of 2006, I had reached 220 pounds, and my weight issues turned into heath issues. My neck and back pain was at an all-time high. I was having trouble with high blood pressure, and I was borderline diabetic. During my annual physical, I received the typical lecture from my doctor, but it took two trips to the emergency room within a two month period afterwards for me to throw in the towel and say enough is enough. I decided to make a promise to myself and my family—I was going to lose weight.
On the Road to Wellness with NutriSystem
My sister had been successful using NutriSystem in the 80s and had kept the weight off for years. So, I researched NutriSystem, along with many other diet programs, and found it was always at the top of the list. I also talked to my doctor about NutriSystem and she felt it would be good for me, too, so I placed an order.
Well, 90 pounds* later, I couldn’t be happier! I’ve gone from a size 18/20 to a 4/6*, and I’m finally at my pre-pregnancy weight of 130 pounds. I never knew it could be so easy! I simply followed the program as outlined and slowly started adding exercise back into my life—and the weight just came off.
Now, I no longer suffer from constant back and neck pain. I have more energy than ever, and I’m enjoying being active and playing with my children. Plus, I actually love to exercise! I walk, run, bike, weight train, do yoga, cardio, and play tennis. In fact, I ran my first 5K race in years last September, and I’m training another one in May.
Basically, NutriSystem has improved my outlook on life in general. I have more confidence, and more than anything, I like who I am now, and I’m proud of my accomplishments. I used to dread looking at myself in the mirror, but now I like who I see smiling back at me.
Support System Solidifies Success
My family and friends couldn’t be more proud of me, either. I’m so lucky to have had an amazing support system. My husband and children have been my biggest cheerleaders, and they love to show me off now. When my husband married me, I was at my heaviest, so now he feels as though he’s gotten a bonus package! And I love being able to do more with my kids. Last Halloween, my son said, “Mom, last year you got tired out and we only trick-or-treated for a little; this year we are having a hard time keeping up with you!” I truly feel that my relationship with my husband and children is stronger now that I have more energy and am able to spend more time doing fun things with them.
Having that kind of great support system is invaluable when you’re trying to lose weight. And with NutriSystem, you get so much support. I’ve made so many friends along the way through the NutriSystem website. I’m an active member on the bulletin boards and started the “Hot Mamas Challenge” on the Goals board last February. Over a year later, it’s still going strong. It’s so rewarding to know that I have been able to help other members reach their goals.
Three of my co-workers have even tried NutriSystem after my success, and my best friend has lost weight on the program, too. Everyone I know, who has seen me before and after I lost the weight, is amazed at my results and proud of me.
And maybe most importantly, I’m happy to say that nearly a year later, I’m still maintaining my weight loss. One of my favorite things about NutriSystem is how easy it was to apply the principles I learned on program to my daily life after reaching my goal. And I continue to do so every day. I knew that this program wasn’t just going to be a quick fix—that I needed to make a lifestyle change—and I’m so glad I did. I tell people all the time that this kind of lifestyle change is one of the best changes you can make.
Looking back nine years ago, I was told that by the time I was 50 I would be in a wheel chair. I truly believed that at the time, which left me feeling depressed and hopeless. But NutriSystem gave me the hope to reach for a goal, and I’m healthier now than I was before the accident.
I wholeheartedly believe that NutriSystem was a life-saving choice for me, and I’m so happy I made that choice.
—Chelly N.
*Results not typical. Individuals are remunerated. Weight lost on a prior NutriSystem® program.
On NutriSystem, you add in fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and dairy items.
Success Story reprinted from Nutrisystem
