A Minnesota Teacher’s Weight Loss Journey

Ronda Latterell would be the first to tell you her weight loss wasn’t just about shedding pounds, it was truly a journey of discovering herself and about how her body works.

She began to gain weight in her 20s and had years of failed weight loss plans, yo-yoing up and down on the scale. In August 2012, she was working out two hours a day four to six days a week and barely eating anything. The scale wouldn’t budge.

Questions filled this local teacher’s head. “Why me? What am I doing wrong? Is this the way my body is supposed to be? What more can I do? Where do I go next?”

Her doctor saw the struggle with elevated triglycerides and anxiety Ronda was experiencing. Both were also concerned about the potential for diabetes and high blood pressure. She encouraged Ronda to check out CentraCare Weight Management.

“My Rock”

A dietitian at CentraCare Weight Management was Ronda’s primary contact at the clinic. She helped Ronda navigate the choices available to her.

When Ronda hit a brick wall, not knowing where to turn, it was the dietitian who stepped in and helped tumble down a few of those bricks.

“She was my rock, helping to map out a plan for me,” Ronda noted. “She listened closely and kindly made suggestions for changes.”

Initially, Ronda went through a battery of testing which helped uncover her vitamin A and D deficiencies and food allergies to gluten, eggs and fish.

Then after a consultation with a bariatric surgeon, Ronda underwent surgery in June 2013 and reached a weight she was satisfied with.

Trust in Yourself

Ronda is quick to point out that each person is different and needs to come to terms with what his or her own weight should be. “Numbers are just a guide,” she said. “Stop letting others – your friends, family, the media – tell you what it means to be healthy.”

She emphasizes that establishing routines and planning ahead are strategies that have worked well for her.