Success Story: Bill Bottcher
Get inspired by this RealAger's amazing transformation.
Name: Bill Bottcher
Age: 58
Former RealAge: 70
Current RealAge: 58
Start weight: 235
Current weight: 152
What was really killing me: At 55 years old, I smoked, was overweight (235 pounds), suffered from sleep apnea, and had high blood pressure (150/100), high cholesterol (250), and type 2 diabetes. My eyesight was declining, and I generally did not feel well.
My wake-up call: Hearing the emergency room doctors say, "With your blood sugar level, we're amazed that you're not in a coma -- or dead!" That was in March 2008, when I was hospitalized with a blood sugar level of 1247 (normal levels are between 70 and 150 milligrams). The hospitalization and subsequent diabetes diagnosis scared me into making major life changes.
(Could you have blood sugar problems? Find out if you're at risk.)
What I changed: Everything!
- I quit smoking.
- I stopped eating cake, cookies, and fast food.
- I added fruit, vegetables, whole wheat, and lean protein to my diet.
- I started exercising daily at the gym, using the elliptical and doing some weight training (if I don't make it to the gym, I walk for an hour).
(Need help quitting? Ask your doctor how to stop smoking with this free Doctor Visit Guide.)
How my life has changed: Since taking control of my health, I've lost weight and conquered my sleep apnea, so I no longer need to use a machine while I sleep. I've been taken off of my blood pressure medication and am almost free of my cholesterol medication. My eyesight has greatly improved because my diabetes is under control, and I've been taken off all insulin.
How RealAge helped me: By giving me daily guidance through RealAge Tips and other e-mails, especially the ones focusing on nutrition and diabetes, like these tips on foods that help you control your blood sugar.
What keeps me motivated and on track: My grandchild. I want to be around for a while and watch him grow up.
What I really love about the new me: People usually think I am younger than I am. I am 152 pounds and have abs and the whole bit. Don't have a gray hair in my head!
(Want abs like Bill? Follow these three easy "Ab Curl" steps.)
Read Bill's answers to questions from RealAge Facebook followers.
