Kelly Jo Gabrus four weeks after she started the Ideal Protein diet (left) and 11 weeks after (right).

The North Shore Shape Up 2014 Weight Loss Challenge is up and running! While the challenge is going, Shorelines wants to bring you stories of bank employees who’ve lost weight and improved their health. If you have a story you want to share — or know someone who does — email shorelines@northshorebank.com.

After a reality check from her doctor, Sussex Teller Kelly Jo Gabrus got serious about losing weight. Driven by a desire to improve her overall health — she has a couple medical conditions that can be exacerbated by extra weight — and her hope to have a child, she’s made serious changes in her diet (under the supervision of an M.D.) and lost more than 30 pounds in 11 weeks. Kelly Jo shared her story with us. She invites anyone interested in learning more about her diet to email her at kgabrus@northshorebank.com.

What was your motivation for trying to lose weight? Why was it so important to you?

My primary reason was my health. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 12 years old. I’ve never been thin, because I get put on prednisone often. So due to medications, I’ve always struggled with my weight. When I got married in May 2010, I weighed about 150 pounds. Right after that, my Crohn’s flared up and my doctor put me on 40 mg of prednisone daily. I was on that dosage for more than a year. Between the drug and not having an active exercise routine, I put on 100 pounds. I knew I was heavier, but it didn’t really hit me until I saw an endocrinologist. She told me repeatedly that I was obese and that if I didn’t do something about it soon, I would die at a young age. I’m at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure problems, among other things I don’t remember it all. About the third time she repeated it, I broke down into tears. That’s when I truly realized I needed to do something.

My other motivation is that I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at that doctor’s visit about a year and a half ago. This gives me fertility problems. I have since seen a fertility specialist and received treatments, but my husband and I have been trying since right after our wedding, and the fertility specialist suggested losing weight.

My cousin introduced me to my diet, Ideal Protein. She was on it and has had much success. I’ve tried diet and exercise, even a little Weight Watchers, and I just couldn’t lose any weight. My husband and I talked about it, and we signed me up.

What changes have you made that worked for you? What hasn’t worked?

Ideal Protein is a wonderful diet. I started it on January 2. It’s my New Year’s resolution to lose 100 pounds or so. There is no “cheating.” If I cheat, I’m throwing time and money out the window for an entire week, each time I do so. I do not recommend anyone trying this diet without supervision from an Ideal Protein doctor. I go in each week for a weigh-in and measurements. They measure my hydration and my lean protein, among other things. I have a coach who is always there to answer questions and give advice. The doctor is working with me and has already lowered my dosage of my metformin for my PCOS. The diet is protein-based, of course. When you start out, you have to eat 8 ounces of protein, 4 cups of vegetables, and unlimited lettuce every day. I also need to consume at least a quarter teaspoon of either olive or grape seed oil, and a quarter teaspoon of Ideal Protein’s Ideal Salt each day. I also need to have three of their protein products each day and specific vitamins. The diet creates a temporary imbalance in your nutrition. I cannot have any sugar, dairy, fruit, or carbs, during phase 1. It hasn’t been easy, but I picture the end result. When I started, I weighed 244.8 pounds and measured 41 inches in my chest, 14.5 inches in my arms, 44 inches in my waist, 51 inches in my hips, and 25 inches in my thighs. As of March 19, the 11th week since I started, I weighed 210.6 pounds, and measured 39 inches in my chest, 12 inches in my arms, 37 inches in my waist, 46 inches in my hips, and 22 inches in my thighs.

That is a loss of 34.2 pounds and a combined total of 19.5 inches, in just 11 weeks. I get blood work done regularly for my Crohn’s disease, and everything came back normal last time.

What has been the hardest part of the new diet?

Being around people who are eating things like pizza, pasta, bread, and candy. These are all things I love, and up until I started this diet, I had no willpower. Ordering at restaurants is kinda hard sometimes. The menus are usually pretty limited as far as what I can have. But I’ve found a few places I can eat and not cheat.

What’s the easiest part?

Ideal Protein emails me recipes and offers suggestions about where to eat out and what things to buy at the supermarket. They also have a line of protein products that help meet my chocolate cravings. Of course I can’t just eat those, but it sure helps when I’m craving a candy bar.

How do you feel about your weight now? Where are you in relation to your goal?

For the first time in years, I think I’m pretty. I’m finding myself rethinking my goal weight. I did want to be between 140 and 150, but now I might be OK closer to the 160 mark. So I know I have a long ways to go, but I feel happier. I have more energy; I’m more patient with people. I want to spend the time in the morning to look nice each day. I used to just get up and throw on whatever met the dress code and head to work. Now, I take a little more time to do my hair, and put cute tops on that make me look thinner. Throw on jewelry or a scarf. And nothing brightens my day more than when a customer comes in and says, “Hey, Kelly you look really good! How much weight have you lost?” It just feels great.

What has been the best part of the diet so far?

The best part of the diet so far is just realizing I’m alive. I can’t wait to go rub it in that doctor’s face. I am taking my life into my own hands. As soon as I’m done with this diet, I’m taking a vacation someplace warm and showing off my new look. Then coming home and getting pregnant. I’m determined.