|
|
|
|
|
 |
Sometimes the answer you need is just around the corner.
Ask Clifton.
Ill and overweight, he found the help he desperately
wanted minutes from his home in North Durham at the
Rice Diet Program. Three months ago he was faced with
a decision: to lose weight, he could submit to gastric
surgery or find another less invasive way to change
his life. He opted for the Rice Diet. |
Clifton weighed 415 pounds but that was not the worst of
it. He also had severe diabetes with glucose readings more
than 600, high blood pressure heart disease and edema of
the legs. Forty-one, and once a semi-pro lineman, he was
in so much pain he had trouble walking, let alone keeping
up with his two active young sons.
He says that the first three days of the salt-free, low protein
diet were tough, but he quickly acclimated. He has learned
to enjoy simple basic fare including grains, fruits and vegetables.
He raves about Chef JR’s pita pizza. He lost 43 pounds
in the first month and is on his way to his goal weight.
More importantly, his general health has improved dramatically.
He has decreased six of his daily medications, and has normal
blood sugar without insulin. The legs he once had to compress
with bandage wraps are now healthy and fluid-free. His blood
pressure is better controlled, as is his joint pain. And
he’s just getting started!
Clifton has a family history of diabetes. He and his wife
Suzanne, an adult oncology nurse, now carefully monitor the
eating habits of sons, Rock and Max. “The best thing
I can do for my kids, is to set the example and help them
learn healthy eating habits.” Clifton says that dietitians
Katherine Rosati and Susan Swafford have helped him immensely
to understand which foods promote health. He is effusive
in his praise of Dr. Francis A. Neelon who “truly understands
the problems faced by the morbidly obese.” Clifton
says, “I have never had a question that Dr. Neelon
couldn’t answer” and his support has become central
to his success. Friend Al Cadavero, R.N., describes Clifton
as a gentle giant. Cadavero continues, “Clif is not
a talker but he’s got a big heart and is first in line
when someone needs help.”
We’re glad he got “in line” at the Rice
House and helped himself to help his future.
Back to Top
|
|
|
