Sheryl Cipolla

People have told me I look like I’m 25 - that’s like a 17-year makeover!

A year ago at 42, I had more than I had ever dreamed for, except for two very important things: to be healthy and to feel good about myself.

My weight has been up and down my whole life; I was a thin kid, then very fat kid, then thin teen, then chubby teen, and so on. The world is definitely kinder to thin people; I've experienced it from both sides multiple times, so I know. And unfortunately, I am much kinder to myself when I'm thin.

Over the years, I’d learned what I needed to do to combat my genetics and stay healthy (or quickly get healthy when I gained weight). Then about 6 years ago, my arsenal of weight management techniques stopped working and I gained over 35 lbs. I thought it was because of back problems I had developed that stopped me from my heavy workouts, along with extreme stress at work. Then, I found out 3 1/2 years ago that I have a thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism. I was so excited to think my hypo-T medication would suddenly give me the metabolism I had always wanted. Well, it didn't work that way. I stopped gaining, but still couldn't lose all the extra weight or keep it off when I lost some of it. I thought I had exhausted every weight loss program and was trying very hard to convince myself to be happy as an obese person.

My husband has always been a great supporter, telling me I’m beautiful no matter my weight, but sometimes it just made me upset. You can’t take compliments well when your self image is low. My husband wanted me to be so happy and when he heard about Medifast he went online and ordered for me.

So, I started Medifast last March 2006, with doubt but great anticipation. I initially set a very thoughtful and reasonable goal for myself. I wanted to lose 35 lbs. which would put me at a healthy weight where I could comfortably wear size 8s again (I'm 5' 5.5", big boned, and broad shouldered, so I'm never going to be model thin or petite). When I reached my goal in July, I decided to go for the unthinkable, to reach my ‘20’s’ weight. I reached my final goal in August, 2006, on my son’s 16th birthday – Happy Birthday to me too.

I’m now 43 lbs. lighter and wearing a size 6! Even better, I feel great about myself, and my blood tests say I am now very healthy. I’m learning to love compliments – especially when people have told me I look like I’m 25 – that’s like a 17-year makeover! Thanks Medifast! By the way, my husband saw how great Medifast was working for me and he jumped on board. He lost 40 lbs. too and has been maintaining since June 2006.

My message for new Medifasters:
Keep an eye on your goals; remember to completely enjoy your progress along the way.

Don't let yourself stray from the plan - Just say no, without time to think about it. Cheating is a slippery slope for most. Be very proud of yourself every time you resist.

It's not really possible to gain a pound of fat in a day - don't let little fluctuations in your weight get you down and derail you.

If you stick to the plan, you will lose the weight.

And smile at yourself (a real smile) - it lifts your spirits and strengthens your resolve.