In 2019, Rebecca Poehlmann from Dallas, Texas, relied on a staggering 26 medications to cope with a multitude of health issues, including prediabetes, fatty pancreas disease, fatty liver disease, migraines, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, she required extra medication to alleviate the side effects caused by the extensive drug regimen.
“I was in so much physical pain and mental pain. Everything hurt. It hurt to walk. It hurt to sleep,” she tells.
“My brother started getting concerned. He wanted to take walks with me, but I was so heavy I turned him down. I would go back to bed. My dad, who was a doctor, also voiced his concerns. My doctors were worried about me. They warned me I could die of a stroke or heart attack, but I wasn’t listening. I had given up.”
In December 2019, Poehlmann’s brother and father passed away within a week of each other. “After that, I turned to food for comfort and gained another 30 pounds,” she says. Her weight climbed to 285 pounds.
Her husband finally said, ‘Honey, I think your weight is going to kill you. And I can’t live this life without you.’ My brother, my dad and my husband, the three most important people in my life, had all told me they were worried I was going to die. I had to do something,” she says.
At 44, Poehlmann made the life-changing decision to undergo weight-loss surgery, which transformed her health dramatically. Shedding an impressive 150 pounds and gaining muscle weight, she achieved remarkable results: reversing prediabetes, fatty liver disease, and fatty pancreas. Most notably, she no longer requires medication to manage high blood pressure, and her medication count has significantly decreased to just six.
“I can tie my shoes now. I can fit into my shower now. I can sleep without pain and suffering. I don’t fear having a stroke or heart attack at any minute and leaving my husband a widower,” she says.
And she says it’s the improvements she’s seen in her mental health and her fitness that have transformed her life: “I came from a very dark place, and now I’m living my best life.”
Weight-loss surgery served as the catalyst for her journey.
In December 2020, Poehlmann underwent gastric sleeve surgery, a decision she emphasizes wasn’t an easy one: “At first, it felt impossible.”
Adjusting to a significantly smaller stomach posed its own set of challenges. Initially transitioning from overeating to a liquid diet was tough. “You basically have no stomach,” she explains.
Now, she maintains a regimen of two large protein shakes per day to meet her daily protein requirement of 80 grams. She spreads out five small meals throughout the day and aims to consume 80 ounces of water, avoiding drinking around meal times to prevent stomach filling.
Her diet mainly consists of protein-rich foods like shrimp, fish, tofu, and sushi, with minimal carbs or fat. Although pleased with her progress, Poehlmann grapples with loose skin, an unwanted side effect. Despite desiring surgery to remove it, the high cost of around $50,000, coupled with lack of insurance coverage, presents a significant hurdle. “I’m about 90% happy with myself. If I had the plastic surgery, I would be 100% happy with myself.”
To complement her weight-loss journey, Poehlmann incorporated fitness into her routine, emphasizing walking and strength training.
Walking became a cornerstone of her regimen, providing both physical activity and mental solace. Additionally, she embraced strength training to build muscle mass and enhance her overall fitness levels.
This balanced approach to exercise not only supported her weight loss but also contributed to her overall well-being and vitality.
Poehlmann’s journey took a significant turn when she joined Life Time on New Year’s Eve, 2020. Overwhelmed with emotion, she confided in the head coach, expressing doubts about her ability to achieve her goals. However, with encouragement and support from her coach and newfound gym community, Poehlmann began to believe in herself.
Finding camaraderie and encouragement at the gym, she felt a sense of belonging and solidarity among her peers. Starting with simple exercises and gradually progressing, she dedicated herself to her fitness journey. Now, she dedicates an hour each weekday to intense workouts, participating in the challenging GTX class, which combines weightlifting and cardio. Following her workouts, she prioritizes recovery with therapeutic massages, nurturing her body and mind.
Poehlmann’s newfound strength and endurance have transformed her life beyond the gym walls. She now boasts an impressive array of physical abilities, from mastering various types of exercises like squats, planks, and pushups to conquering challenging activities like burpees, box jumps, and power cleans. Her muscular prowess leaves her feeling accomplished and empowered with each gym session.
Beyond the gym, her enhanced fitness opens doors to exhilarating experiences she once thought were out of reach. Poehlmann can now engage in adventurous activities like parasailing and horseback riding without the limitations imposed by weight restrictions. Rediscovering these joys fills her with gratitude and a renewed zest for life.
Her ambitions extend further as she sets her sights on ambitious goals like hiking the Grand Canyon and completing a half-marathon. Embracing fitness as a cornerstone of her life, Poehlmann revels in the newfound freedom and possibilities that accompany her journey towards optimal health and vitality.
Her mental health improved along with her physical health
In tandem with her remarkable physical transformation, Poehlmann experienced significant improvements in her mental well-being. Shedding excess weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle positively impacted her overall mental health, leading to a newfound sense of confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.
As she progressed on her fitness journey, Poehlmann discovered a profound sense of accomplishment and empowerment, bolstering her mental resilience and inner strength. The discipline and dedication required to maintain her fitness regimen instilled in her a sense of purpose and determination, helping her navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and positivity.
Moreover, the supportive community she found at the gym provided a source of encouragement and camaraderie, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that further contributed to her mental well-being. With each milestone achieved and every obstacle overcome, Poehlmann’s mental health flourished, allowing her to embrace life with renewed optimism and vitality.
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
You’re so impressive!