Lizbet Miller had to get her health in order. The mother of two and loving wife wanted to set an example for her family to live a healthier lifestyle.
She struggled with chronic health issues since she was a baby. So when she started experiencing pain in her upper abdomen, nausea, and chills, she didn’t think much of it.
But as her symptoms intensified, she found herself in the emergency room. She knew something was wrong, but the hospital sent her home without a diagnosis.
One week later an ultrasound uncovered multiple 3 centimeter gallstones blocking her gallbladder, a tiny sac located under the liver that stores and concentrates bile used in the digestion of fat. The doctor diagnosed her with gallbladder disease.
During this visit, she also learned she had high cholesterol levels. A consequence of stress and binge eating early in her adult life.
Deciding to Make the Commitment
Due to her chronic health issues, Lizbet couldn't work a stable 9 to 5 career. She needed a job with flexible work hours that accommodated her doctor appointments. It was the only way she could manage her health.
While reading an article on Reddit, she read a comment about DEXA scans to learn your total body composition health. A simple Google search led her to DexaFit in San Carlos, California. She scheduled her first appointment to have an RMR (resting metabolic rate), 3D body scan, and a DEXA scan.
“I wanted to have real data. Hand measurements are faulty at best, and I thought if I had accurate data about myself and followed up as I progressed, it would help keep me on track with my goals,” said Lizbet.
Shortly after her first visit, Lizbet learned she was pregnant with her second child. Her personal health ambitions had to go on hold.
“I had a second baby, so taking care of them was the most important thing. But my husband and I agreed that once the second child was settled, I would get back on track.”
It was an easy commitment for the couple to make. But it was one they knew needed execution. “We budgeted for a trainer and made sure to have enough funds to afford the diet I needed to get my health in order. Getting healthy benefits everyone, not just me,” she said.
Commiting to Make a Change
In October 2018, Lizbet was 316 pounds. She started working with a personal trainer 2 to 3 times a week. She also lifted weights on her during off days and committed to performing 1 hour of cardio, 6 days a week.
“During my first appointment at DexaFit, I barely fit on the scanner. My goal was to fit comfortably on it the next time.”
Under the guidance of a nutrition specialist, she slowly removed dairy from her diet and increased her protein intake. Her weight finally started to drop.
Lizbet set a goal to lose 100 pounds by September 16, 2019. Thanks to DexaFit, she crushed her goal.
“Having tactile data to see objectively and have the ability to watch the numbers change as you progress validates all the hard work. The red and green distribution, and the numbers are concrete facts,” she said.
In the four months between June and September 2019, Lizbet lost 8.9% total body fat. She increased her lean tissue by 8 pounds, and more impressive, her visceral fat dropped from 2.2 lbs to 0.77 lbs.
Changing for Future Generations
Lizbet’s mother was a military mom, which means she was gone for weeks or months at a time. Between military commitments and work hours, her family didn’t have the opportunity for many meals together. This affected her health and relationship with food in a negative way. But it now serves as a lesson and motivation to change things for her family.
She and her husband make sure they provide their children with knowledge about food they didn't have growing up. So they can "be smart, have big muscles, strong bones, and see that since Mom and Dad are healthy, they can be healthy too!"
Over 100 lbs lighter, she can now run around with her children, carry them on her shoulders, and provide for them in a way like never before. But more importantly, she feels that she can be the wife and mother she's always wanted to be.