Laura's story: New Direction to weight loss

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.” While some might take issue with his sentiment, anyone who has been on a weight-loss journey may see the wisdom in it.

Laura Clifton is back on the New Direction program and is feeling as optimistic as ever about her weight-loss journey.

For Laura Clifton, she’s been on and off the journey many times in life. Today, she’s feeling optimistic. She’s about a year in on the New Direction program, offered by the Bariatrics Center at Nebraska Medicine. It’s her second time through.

“About four years ago, I joined and lost 75 pounds,” says Clifton.

But lifestyle factors got in the way, and she found herself unable to stick with the maintenance part of the program.

Last August, she decided she was ready to try again.

“I just got tired of feeling tired all the time,” says Clifton. “I knew this program worked for me.”

Clifton recently transitioned to the low-calorie diet (LCD) from the very low-calorie diet (VLCD), which meant she ate only the program’s meal replacement products, like shakes, bars, puddings, or soup. And lots of water. She’s lost 86 pounds so far and is 25 pounds from her goal weight.

“I knew if the weight did not come off quickly, I’d lose the motivation,” she says. Clifton lost eight pounds in the first week.

“That first week is rough, but once I was through it, I felt better,” she says. “All the sugar was out of my body. It’s like a detox. I had energy.”

Clifton emphasizes most of the weight-loss work is mental.

“Everyone’s journey is different,” she says. “You can’t compare your weight loss to someone else’s.”

That’s where the support piece is so important. The center offers weekly group sessions to talk through challenges and celebrate victories. Those weekly classes have been moved to Zoom.

“The registered dietitians talk you through your journey,” she says. “They help the program work for you.”

That includes developing individualized plans that are adjusted as needed.

Clifton acknowledges COVID-19 has set her back a bit.

“I’m big on accountability,” she says. “Not having to go in to be weighed has impacted me. Plus just the stress of COVID has slowed my progress.”

But she is determined to stick with it.

“Entering the program for this second time, I had a totally different mindset,” says Clifton. “I’ve made a two-year commitment to the maintenance program. The weight coming off is phase one. Keeping it off is phase two. That’s the tricky part.”

“The entire bariatric team has really pulled together to ensure a smooth transition of New Direction patients during this time,” says Jennifer Anderson, clinic manager, Bariatrics Center. “I’m so excited that Laura shared her story. She is a great example of how this program can change your life.”

For those who may be considering this program, Clifton encourages them to go for it.

“You have to be mentally ready,” she says. “But you also have to be willing to forgive yourself. There are so many factors that go into weight loss. I extend myself grace if I have a bad day. Each day is a new day.”

If you're interested in learning more about New Direction, call 402.559.9500 for a free information session.