Fall 2009

100 Pounds Lighter

Davidsonville Man Sheds Weight with Nutritional, Emotional and Physical Support

Scott Hyman lost more than 100 pounds and eradicated his type 2 diabetes with the help of Arianne Coffman, R.D., L.D.N., registered dietitian and diabetes educator.

Scott Hyman always struggled with his weight but in January 2008— at nearly 285 pounds and with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes—his doctor began discussing a more serious solution for weight loss: gastric bypass surgery.

Mr. Hyman didn’t respond to his physician’s mention of the complex surgical procedure often used to combat obesity. In his mind, he had already made the first step toward overcoming his addiction to overeating—he had decided to take responsibility for himself.

“I decided I would show my doctor,” Mr. Hyman said. “Actions speak louder than words.”

The 45-year-old Davidsonville man did, however, take his physician’s advice to seek nutritional counseling and, soon after, arrived at the Anne Arundel Medical Center Diabetes Center.

He formed an instant connection with registered dietitian and diabetes educator Arianne Coffman, R.D., L.D.N., who, through one-on-one counseling sessions, helped Mr. Hyman set goals, explore menu options and learn the importance of moderation.

“Arianne really thought outside the box,” said Mr. Hyman. “I told her the issues I had were more than eating and choosing nutritious foods. She was really instrumental in helping me with moderation and in living a healthy lifestyle.”

In addition to establishing food strategies for both home and eating out, Ms. Coffman helped Mr. Hyman locate a number for Overeaters Anonymous, a program that Mr. Hyman credits with helping him explore the emotional aspects of overeating.

“At my heaviest, I saw myself having a heart attack or stroke,” Mr. Hyman said. “I really thought I’d be destined for this. I saw myself getting worse and worse, and getting heavier and heavier.”

With the nutritional support from AAMC, the incorporation of exercise, and his own examination into the reasons he overate, Mr. Hyman was soon losing weight.

“At the very least, I wanted to do my part and know I was taking care of my body the way I should be,” he said.

Today, the 5-foot-11-inch business owner weighs 170 pounds and is free of diabetes. He recently participated in a five-day, 200-mile bike ride with his son’s Boy Scout troop.

“I never thought I’d be able to do this,” he said. “There is no magic pill or formula. It’s concentrating on progress, not perfection, and each day trying to do something healthier than the day before.

“It really is all about moderation,” he said. “And AAMC helped me with that.”

-- Jenny Steffens

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