Joslyn Pribble is Methodist Health: Gaining momentum.

By Joslyn Pribble

Joslyn is a manager in Pathology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Her goal is to become active and start making healthy decisions every day for the rest of her life.

1.   You’re in your second month of I am Methodist Health. Congratulations! In general, how’s it going?

I am doing so much better with this program than I ever expected! I have lost so much weight and my energy levels are greatly improved! Clothes fit better, if they even fit at all. I am finding it more natural to reach for a healthy snack choice like fruit instead of a sugar-filled one like a cookie. Exercising is not such a chore and I am actually beginning to enjoy it. I never thought working out could be therapeutic or such a stress reliever. I am so much more aware of what I am eating and putting into my body. I haven’t kicked all of the cravings yet but, I have gained coping mechanisms to get past them. My self-esteem is climbing and the compliments have increased. Overall, I am in a much better place than I was just a month ago. I now know I can succeed. 

2.   What change or changes have you been able to make? Do you like the changes?

For starters, I lead my employees on a quick walk almost every day! My husband and I weigh our food to make sure we are sticking to the amount we really should eat. I now read the nutritional labels on food at the grocery store and seek healthier alternatives with fewer calories and less fat. I have tried some more exotic fruits and vegetables and found that I do like them. There are many new recipes I have tried and I am learning to substitute better choices into favorite meals. I exercise more and have learned some new routines that I can do at home. I am listening to my body. I am learning many skills that I will continue to use for the remainder of this journey and beyond. I am surprised to actually like these changes.

3.   Do you have any progress updates you’d like to share with your fans?

I have lost more than 15 pounds and am just a few pounds from my wedding weight! I am wearing clothes that are three sizes smaller. I am also very close to qualifying for my blue level health insurance discount by getting my BMI below 30 since my last biometric screening.  I hope my family won’t recognize me in May when I go home to visit. 

4.   What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned the first month?

I have learned that the health teachers in high school were right — you do have to exercise and restrict your calorie intake to lose weight. Of course I always knew that, but this has been the most practical example of how that really works. I have learned to celebrate the small wins and to keep on pushing forward. One bad day or choice cannot be allowed to ruin a pathway to a healthier lifestyle. 

In January, I felt like I was really starting to make progress when the starting number on the scale changed for the first time in a decade, and I owned no pants that fit in the waist!