Profile - Judy Telecky

Customer Profile - Judith Telecky
Lost 75 Pounds Between June 2008 - December 2009

"The food that you
want to eat will always
be there in abundance,
and that's why diets fail.

You have to make a
conscious effort to make
better decisions and break
old, destructive habits."

May 2009

November 2009

My Story

I have been battling with numerous health issues for years associated with being overweight. Pain has dominated my life on a daily basis. Sciatic pain caused a painful, burning sensation that would shoot down my legs. My hips, knees and feet hurt constantly. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and had a terrible problem with acid reflux disease. I am, by nature, a cheerful person - but the negative cycle of weight gain, joint pain and medical complications often triggered bouts of depression. My primary care physician told me that if I could lose 30 pounds, my acid reflux problems might go away. I also knew that if I could lose 30 pounds, I would feel much better.

Finding a Solution for My Pain

I saw an ad in the newspaper for Z-CoiL shoes and decided to give these funny-looking shoes a try. I consider myself to be a pretty difficult fit. I wear a Women's size 5 and have very high arches. To my surprise, they not only had a shoe that fit correctly, but the staff at Total Relief Footwear spent over an hour adjusting the shoes to help reduce my pain as much as possible. I was walking with far less pain in my hips, knees and feet. My sciatic nerve pain disappeared. I knew that I could start walking for exercise.

How I Lost 40 Pounds in my first 6 Months

Armed with the tools I needed to start walking, it was time to get serious. In June 2008, I was referred to the St. David's Gym and started a regular, supervised exercise program on the treadmill, elliptical trainer and the circuit weight training machines. I went to the gym almost daily and the pounds started melting away. I walk 3 miles daily and I can even do some light jogging. I couldn't have done it without my Z-CoiL shoes. I also made some healthy lifestyle changes. I joined Weight Watchers , adjusted my meal portions and made much healthier eating decisions. As a result, I am now 40 pounds lighter, my acid reflux symptoms are gone, my blood glucose levels have greatly improved and I feel much better!

The Most Important Thing I Have Learned

Weight loss is not about diets alone. Been there, done that. The food that you want to eat will always be there in abundance, and that's why diets fail. Weight loss requires a commitment to make better eating decisions and to exercise every day. My goal to exercise and lose weight is not a destination, it's a journey. I am in the process of learning how to become a new person - and I really like her! Even my husband says I am returning to the bright, cheerful person that he met, fell in love with, and married.

My Goals for 2009

I am more determined than ever to become a healthier and happier person. I will lose another 66 pounds in 2009 and I am well on pace to achieve that goal. I also want to reduce or eliminate my dependence on insulin to manage my diabetes.

Total Relief Footwear is an amazing store. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and commited to helping me achieve my goals. They "tune-up" my Z-CoiL shoes when needed and it's obvious that they really care about me. They are a very important part of my weight-loss team.

November 29, 2009 Update

Judy stopped in the store and we shot the video above. She still goes to the gym every day, has lost 75 pounds and is no longer insulin dependent to manage her diabetes. She does circuit weight training, treadmill and elliptical training to keep her self in shape. She still plans to lose another 15 pounds.

Ready, Set, LOSE!

If you have made a commitment to lose weight in 2010, come on in and sign-up for Walk It Off Austin. It's a fun way to reward you for keeping your promise to lose weight. We will be publishing weight loss tips and menu suggestions for leading a more active and healthier lifestyle. Do you have friends that are determined to lose weight in 2010? Encourage them to visit Total Relief Footwear and sign up for Walk It Off Austin. Remember that you don't have to be one of our customers to participate and no purchase is necessary to enroll.

Walk It Off Austin