Be an inspiration: If you've made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success Story
Paula Eissner, 63: From 340 pounds to 213 pounds
Former weight: 340 pounds
Current weight: 213 pounds
Pounds lost: 127 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 9 inches
Age: 63 years
How long she's been at it: Started August 2015 and continues losing.
Personal life: "I've worked here at DeKalb Medical for 37 years," said Eissner, whose background is in social work. "I have a daughter that lives in Atlanta. My husband died about six years ago." She lives in Lilburn.
Turning point: "I've lost over 100 pounds at least three times in my life. I have been on every diet you can imagine. … My health was really at risk, my blood pressure was really out of control. My A1C, the test for diabetes, was getting higher. I was borderline diabetic and I hurt from head to toe in every joint — I was eating Advil. I have worked in a hospital for years; it's not like I don't know what happens to a person as they age." In August 2015, she had laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery at DeKalb Medical. "I am very familiar with the bariatric program; I wasn't scared to do it. … I ran the stroke support group here for over 20 years. I know what can happen when people don't take care of their health. … I did not want to get to the point where I was really sick, and I knew I was headed there."
Diet plan: "I still eat primarily low-fat proteins: chicken, turkey, eggs, cheese, a lot of vegetables and no carbs. I have not had a piece of bread or pasta for over a year, and I don't miss it."
Exercise routine: "I have a Fitbit now. … I have dogs and I walk them. … I walk in the tunnels at work and park far away. I take the steps. I just walk, walk, walk."
Biggest challenge: "I felt like I was hungry all the time; no matter how much I ate, I was still hungry. I think that was because I didn't feel good and I was bored. You know how eating can become like your friend, that was one of the big things surgery helped me with, was controlling that."
How life has changed: "It is just remarkable how much better I feel every day. I feel like a new person. People tell me all the time they don't recognize me. … The [surgery] absolutely gets you started, but then you gotta keep working at it — it's a lifetime commitment."
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