From Strength to Strength

At the end of a long week on the road, 57 year old truck driver Bruce Walker returns home to Toowoomba and logs his 2500km of driving: and updates his food and exercise diary to record his 300 minutes of walking and cycling.

Before joining Wesley Weight Management's Toowoomba Clinic, Bruce's health prevented him from working: forcing him to leave his business to "the other blokes" for a while. Bruce had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, a progressive disorder that affects an area of the brain that controls movement. Bruce's Doctor advised him that to manage the disorder and return to work, he needed to tackle some of his other health issues: including his weight. Bruce recalls,

"I had limited mobility due to the Parkinson's, not helped by the fact that I was pushing the 115kg mark."

Six months later Bruce has completed a Wesley Weight Management Clinic weight loss program and lost 18kgs to reach his goal weight of 93kg. His blood pressure has dropped by an astounding 80% and sits within the normal range. He can move more freely, sleep more soundly and better handle his Parkinson's symptoms.

Bruce beams, "The weight loss and this new body of mine is a fantastic bonus! I probably could have lost a bit more weight but I didn't want to be unrealistic. I am stoked with what I have achieved and this is where I'm determined to stay.

"My Dietitian was behind me all the way. She taught me that it is possible to make healthy food choices and incorporate exercise into my daily routine: even when it involves long hours on the road.

"The boys were shocked the first time I ordered a lunch of fish and salad with no chips instead of my usual works burger. But after a few weeks I had them ordering it too!"

Bruce also attributes his success to his wife, Marcia who attended his every appointment and helped him to prepare healthy meals,

"I owe a lot of my success to Marcia. Oh, and my dog who walks with me in the mornings!"

Bruce is now focussed on maintaining his weight loss with a healthy diet and exercise routine. He looks forward to his daily bike ride and early morning weekend walks and chuckles,

"If we spend this Christmas at the coast this year I might even get out there on the body board. At least now I won't have to worry about hitting the bottom!"

For more information about Wesley Weight Management Clinic's weight loss program or to book your obligation-free initial assessment with one of our Dietitians, call 1800 567 348 or complete our online enquiry form.