Susann Marie's Story

I have had a weight problem since I was five years old. I have lost weight off and on, only to gain it back again, plus usually more than when I started. Others in my family have also struggled with their weight. I also suffer from depression, etc.

Food has always seemed to be my friend. Food makes me feel happy. I really enjoy certain foods – especially chips, pizza, and chocolate – which has led to serious weight issues. My highest weight ever was over 300 pounds.

I have tried so many different ways to lose weight. Some worked; some were unhealthy, but worked temporarily without having lasting results. I realized I was addicted to food and how it makes me feel – not unlike the way alcohol or drugs affect some people. Unfortunately, food is a necessity and so I need to work on how I view it and what I eat. I’m still working on that, and likely will be forever.

Many years ago, I saw Dr. Fuhrman’s program on PBS, and during a pledge drive I signed up and received the package of his books and DVDs and membership. I thought it sounded good, but didn’t do it or read the books at that time.

I went to the doctor in early March 2020, before my job ended, and found out I was diabetic. I’d known I probably was, since it’s in the family, and I was very overweight at 254 pounds. I knew I should do something. Then the pandemic and lockdown happened. I turned to food again, but it wasn’t helping me and I was very depressed. My job had ended, my cat had died, I was in lockdown and alone for months.

I got an email about Dr. Fuhrman having Weight Loss detox. I sent an email and asked some questions, and they helped me to join the detox and told me about the weight loss challenge. So I signed up for that too and said I would do it. 

When it started in August of 2020, I thought I could do it, but then had a hard time. Happily I had also signed up for the weight loss challenge – and because Dr. Fuhrman and his staff were so helpful, I felt had to honor my commitment. The challenge kept me accountable, and the information I received during the boot camp helped me to understand why it was important to eat this way. I really wanted to get off the diabetic medicine and not to have issues such as blindness etc. from diabetes.

The educational materials explained why it works scientifically, and helped me to see why it’s important to understand that. I may not remember the reasons but I know they are there. The cooking lessons and exercise lessons during the boot camp helped. What also helped was the meeting with Jenna Fuhrman, who gave practical tips, since she has lived with this eating plan all her life. Mrs. Fuhrman was very helpful, too.  

For me, the most important part was the help on food addiction. I needed someone who understood the addiction and how real it is, and to understand the emotional attachment I had to food and the need to readjust my thinking and living patterns. Dr. Fuhrman and his team provided that, which I truly appreciated so much during the monthly meetings of the challenge.  I would go back and watch the videos over and over again. I was happy to do the second challenge and continued on my weight loss.

I need the accountability of the challenges and the support, so I am very thankful to Dr. Fuhrman and his family and staff and the support on Facebook. As of my last doctor visit, I do not need diabetic medication or medication for cholesterol, and my blood pressure was good. When I weighed in on January 4, 2022, my weight was 134 pounds – almost to my goal! Thank you so much to everyone and wishing everyone else success in their journey.