How Linda Dropped 88 Pounds in Her 60s

April 19, 2016
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

First for WomenBrilliant bile and healthy fats made slimming easy.

Next week, the May 16th issue of First for Women magazine will hit stands featuring my long-standing client Linda Leekley, a nurse, who will appear on page 33 of the issue. Her remarkable journey back to health—and incredible 88 pound weight loss—will be covered. She credits higher quality bile production and the addition of delicious smart fats to her success.

So, do pick up a copy when the May issue hits newsstands…any day now. In the meantime, here’s Linda’s testimonial to us which I know will inspire many of you who can relate to the same life altering stressers that Linda experienced along the way.

Ten years ago, I lost weight following Ann Louise’s Fat Flush Plan. I even helped moderate her online forum for a while and went on a couple of her Fat Flush cruises! However, over the years, due to the stress of caring for my ailing parents (and the emotional eating that went along with that), the scale started moving in the wrong direction.

At the same time, I developed hypothyroidism. As a nurse, I figured that was an easy fix…just take the thyroid medication prescribed by my doctor. Yet, even though I took the medication religiously, follow-up blood tests showed that my thyroid function was continuing to decline. And, the weight wasn’t budging, no matter how little I ate.

Last spring, I began having attacks of gallbladder pain. I knew that I had the risk factors for needing my gallbladder removed: “Fat, Female and over Forty.” Wanting to avoid surgery, I emailed Ann Louise looking for advice. She responded that she was in the midst of doing new research on the connection between bile, the thyroid and weight loss…and that, because of my medical history, I would be a great person to help her test her research!

Ann Louise suggested a couple of supplements that would be supportive of my thyroid and my gallbladder, but other than that, I was on my own. I was free to follow any diet I liked. Since I knew that Fat Flush works, I fell back on the basics of that plan, with the addition of some “new” healthy fats: macadamia nut oil, pastured butter and avocados. (I had convinced myself years ago that I didn’t like avocados, but after trying them again, I love them!) So, basically, my daily food intake became low in carbs and high in healthy fats, with a moderate amount of protein.

My “start date” was May 6, 2015…my 62nd birthday. Within two days, my intense carb cravings were gone and the scale was already showing movement! There were no hunger pangs; no feelings of deprivation; no calorie counting; no points to add up. Just a strong focus on healthy fats and real foods. During the first three months, I lost 31 pounds. After six months, I had lost another 22 pounds. And, now, just a couple of weeks away from my 63rd birthday, I am 88 pounds lighter than when I started this journey!

So, if you are “of a certain age,” like me, don’t buy into the pervasive myth that women can’t lose weight after menopause. I’m living proof that’s not true. To be honest, it’s actually been easier then when I tried to lose weight in my younger years! This is where the bile factor really must play a big role! Oh…and my mental clarity has returned! No more…”Where did I put my keys?” “What was I about to say?” I do truly feel ten years younger than before I started this eating plan!

Of course, by now, I have read Ann Louise’s recent book, Eat Fat, Lose Weight, and I have a better understanding of the bile/thyroid connection. But, it’s not just interesting research to me. I no longer have gallbladder pain, no matter how much (healthy) fat I eat. No gallbladder surgery for me! And, my sluggish thyroid is a thing of the past. I have my energy and good metabolism back. Plus, I take less thyroid medicine than before and the blood tests show my thyroid is working better than it has in years!

These days, I am starting to add other healthy fats into my lifestyle. Coconut oil is the latest! After that, I’ll try another one from the many that Ann Louise discusses in her book. Using Eat Fat, Lose Weight as a guide, I know I can maintain this lifestyle…and keep on improving my health. As a nurse, I know that medication has its place and that surgery cannot always be avoided. But, I also know that the right foods make for great “medicine” too!

By the way, I have found just ten minutes of daily meditation to be an awesome stress reliever. Because I had never really meditated before, I looked for guidance and found an app called Headspace. Of course, there are many other apps, books, classes, etc., for meditation, and everyone can spare ten minutes out of their day.

When it comes to exercise, I did nothing drastic and the weight just keeps falling off. This morning, I put on a leather skirt that was a bit snug last week and it is now falling down on my hips. In another week, I’m guessing I will have to give it away!

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

42 Comments

  1. Sandra Sneed

    Great and inspiring story!

    Reply
  2. calle

    Wow, I don’t need to lose 88 pounds but know my Thyroid is not working right
    Tests say it is, but hair loss, fingernails detaching tell the true story.

    I guess I will get the book.
    We eat tons of good fats, eat all organic, kefir, Kombucha, organic cultured butter, no gluten, but not luck.

    I work my tail off but do not go running etc, as I hate running.
    What hurts is that we do almost everything right.
    Stress has been so high for years I don’t even recognize stress unless it is off the roof.
    I am MCS and now suspect EMF sickness.

    Read your Zapped book, great read Ann Lousie.
    Want to learn how to make raw cheeses. Have a source for raw dairy and love cultured butter.
    Thanks

    Reply
  3. Team ALG

    Calle — You might just try adding a couple of tablespoons of non-GMO lecithin to your diet and/or Bile Builder.

    Reply
  4. Karen

    Can’t wait until your book Eat Fat Lose Weight, is available on Kobo. Sorry but where I live doesn’t allow purchases on Amazon.

    Reply
  5. Bonnie

    When will Eat Fat Lose Weight be in an actual book. I don’t use electronic devices. I’ve been checking for months to see if it’s even in paperback.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Hi Bonnie: Eat Fat, Lose Weight is currently in the hands of various NY publishers who will be making an offer for the book. Please email [email protected] for further info. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
  6. Vikki

    I think many of us are waiting (and have been for months) for this book to be published in book form and not just an electronic form. I hope it’s soon. I’m eager to read. Reading the Linda L. story, sounded a lot like me. Any idea when it will be published in book form?

    Reply
  7. Team ALG

    Dear Vikki: Email us at [email protected] for further updates and do read our response above. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. laura rabinovitz

    What are/were the supplements you took for better bile ‘function’ other than healthy fats??–wondering what supplements to get. I exercise, eat 80% clean and cannot get the scale to budge. i have no real thyroid (removed due to cancer in 2001). I take T3 and T4–have tons of energy–don’t think its a thyroid issue. Bile related-perhaps.
    thanks!

    Reply
  9. Team ALG

    Linda took Bile Builder which contains all the bile-thinning and bile-promoting elements like choline, betaine, and ox bile extract. If you pick up the magazine, you will find the complete story and special food perks ALG recommends for bile-related weight loss resistance.

    Reply
    • laura rabinovitz

      Pick up the magazine? not sure i know what this means? if is start the bile builder do u reccomend anything else too other than more bile building foods?
      thanks!

      Reply
      • Les J.

        Laura – The whole post above the comment section is about an article coming out in First For Women Magazine about one of Dr. ALG’s long term clients. That’s what was meant by “pick up the magazine”.

        Reply
        • Laura Rabinovitz

          got it–and if I have no gall bladder issues it may still be helpful w weight loss–yes?

          Reply
          • Team ALG

            Laura: Les J. provided good advice. You should also download the Kindle Eat Fat, Lose Weight to learn more about why Bile Builder is essential for those without a gallbladder, especially.

  10. Dawn Kennedy

    I bought Bile Builder but it gave me indigestion. Is that normal and will it go away?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Dawn: Dosage can depend upon individual need so start slowly and build up…One – twice per day with meals that are fat containing. Do you have your gallbladder – or not? Thanks!!

      Reply
  11. Debra Emto

    HI I will be 50 this year. Unfortunately, I had no choice when I was rushed to the hospital last year & they removed my gallbladder because the enzymes were through the roof & it was gangrene. No matter how careful I eat I still can’t budge the scale. Will this Bile builder work? Money is tight & I do not want to spend it on a supplement that everyone who said it worked had a gallbladder but for those who don’t have one it won’t wotk.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Actually, Debra, an ox bile containing product, whether it is Bile Builder or not – is essential for those WITHOUT a gallbladder, especially. For those without a gallbladder, working up to two per meal is recommended. Wishing you health!

      Reply
  12. Kathleen

    I am so excited about this, Ann Louise! I will get the bile supplement necessary and whatever else is required–I have reverse T-3 thyroid condition and a very slow metabolism. This testimonial is such a consolation because I have hope my weight will come off. I am so grateful for your research, thank you for your work and your blog!!

    Reply
  13. Team ALG

    Kathleen: Heavy metals may be impeding your metabolism. Have you taken a HTMA?

    Reply
  14. Deb

    For those of us with a gall bladder is using Ox-bile salts enough? I have a bottle of those and don’t really want to spend $$ on another supplement until what I have is gone.

    Reply
  15. Team ALG

    Deb — You may also need lecithin WITH your current bile salts 🙂

    Reply
    • Deb

      I have a lipotropic with choline inositol and mthionine. Do I still need the lecithin or is this good as the emulsifier?

      Reply
  16. Yvonne

    Tell me I tried to order the Bile Builder on line off your site but it would not add it to my cart .. do you ship to Canada?

    Reply
  17. Jill

    I bought the book for my Kindle yesterday. I just skimmed through it so far. There doesn’t seem to be any menu plan. Should I use the fat flush plan to lose weight and incorporate the extra fats?

    Reply
    • Linda Leekley

      Hi, Jill,
      You’re right. Eat Fat, Lose Weight is not a diet plan, per se, but rather a comprehensive primer on healthy fats…and the bile/thyroid connection.

      To lose my weight, I did just what you suggest…incorporated more healthy fats into the Fat Flush Plan.

      Best of luck!
      Linda Leekley

      Reply
      • Linda W

        Hi Linda,

        I see that Ann Louise suggested a couple of supplements that would be supportive of your thyroid and your gallbladder.

        Does the Bile Builder support both, or is there another supplement that you used for the thyroid?

        I am 65 need to lose at least 90 lbs. I am so excited and hope this works!

        Thanks!

        Reply
      • Candy Raymond

        Hi Linda L!
        So glad to see you back in action~I was on the Village with you. You had the best recipes!
        Sorry to hear of your parents… isn’t it amazing how stress in our lives tracks us away from what we know is right?
        I just pulled out my FF book cuz I am suffering with “no-weight-loss-itis”. I have never had this happen before, always been to able lose’something’ so I knew I had to go back to The Source~ALG.
        C I have to find that magazine-just purchased it the other day but haven’t had a chance to read it! The most ironic part about this is when I originally found FF, it was through Women’s World! The circles in our lives are amazing! Guess it’s a definite sign to get back on track!

        (((HuGGz ?))) to you & your family!
        CandyKi55 from iVillage FF forum

        Reply
        • Linda Leekley

          Hi, Candy,
          Nice to see your CandyKi55 name! I remember you, too, from the FF Forum from iVillage. However, there were two of us Lindas who were very active on that forum. Linda Shapiro was the one who put forth so many great recipes. (She still does on her Meal Planning Maven website.)

          Hope you get rid of your “no-weight-loss-itis!” If you follow ALG’s advice, you’ll be back on track in no time!

          Thanks for your kind words. It was great running into you again!!

          Hugs,
          Linda

          Reply
  18. Linda Leekley

    Hi, Linda!
    By supporting your gall bladder, you will be supporting your thyroid, too! I took the Bile Builder and Ann Louise also suggested I put a scoop of NOW Foods Lecithin Granules in my morning smoothie. Lecithin helps with the digestion of fats.

    Sounds like you and I have more in common than our name! 🙂 I wish you the best of luck and feel confident that once you commit, you will find it as easy as I did.

    Take care!

    Reply
  19. Candy Raymond

    Hi Linda L!
    OMG! So glad to see you back in action~I was on the Village with you. You had the best recipes!
    Sorry to hear of your parents… isn’t it amazing how stress in our lives tracks us away from what we know is right?
    I just pulled out my FF book cuz I am suffering with “no-weight-loss-itis”. I have never had this happen before, always been to able lose’something’ so I knew I had to go back to The Source~ALG.
    C I have to find that magazine-just purchased it the other day but haven’t had a chance to read it! The most ironic part about this is when I originally found FF, it was through Women’s World! The circles in our lives are amazing! Guess it’s a definite sign to get back on track!

    (((HuGGz ?))) to you & your family!
    CandyKi55 from iVillage FF forum

    Reply
  20. Rezzy

    Help! Desperately trying everything ALG has suggested with absolutely no success. I have thyroid issues, hashimoto. Three years ago I started gaining weight uncontrollably due to overuse of antibiotics… Double sinus,ear and upper resp. Infection. Went LCHF, been ketogenic for almost 3 years with an additional weight gain. I’ve tweaked and tweaked my macros, still nothing. Had adrenal/cortisol issues that have been resolved. Still no loss.

    People come from SAD and drop tons of weight. I tried her suggested whey, lecithin shakes, nothing. Bile builders, betaine with pepsin, nothing, fat flush 24 plan, nothing. Choline and inositol, nothing. I take a cereal bowl full of supplements everyday and still nothing.

    I’ve incorporated every oil, supplement, food groups, fermented or otherwise. Spent the last three years on every summit(fat loss,metabolism,gut health,thyroid, hormone),every book/article from every physician. Still absolutely nothing. I’m On Nature thyroid, Tirosint,progestrone,estrogen… I’m desperate. The Leptin reset, Adrenal Reset, Hormonal Reset, Thyroid Cure times 100 different authors.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Rezzy: Clearly, something somewhere is out of whack and you will need to become your own nutritional detective to uncover what is preventing you from losing weight. We would suggest to start with a Tissue Mineral Analysis to assess mineral balances and glandular health. Have you done a hormone test besides a cortisol assessment? Are you estrogen dominant/progesterone deficient? Where do you hold your weight? Hopefully you can start to unravel your weight loss resistance.

      Reply
  21. Alena

    Dear Rezzy:

    You might want to check out ALG’s latest blog and test for iodine. She says it is the potassiuim iodide which is problematic for those of us with Hashimoto’s. Maybe you need more iodine to rev up a tired thyroid. Good luck and look for “Why Am I Always STILL So Tired.”

    Reply
  22. Susan

    I am doing the stage one: detox bile but am having problems with the lemon juice. Too much acid for my stomach. Is there anything I can substitute for the lemon juice?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Omit the lemon juice — pure and simple.

      Reply
  23. Jan

    I have just started taking Bile Builder, I take a probiotic every morning. Is it OK to also take a Bile Builder with my first meal?

    Reply
  24. Jan

    I have just started taking the Bile Builder. I take a daily probiotic with my first meal, can I take a Bile Builder at the same time?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Hi Jan: Yes you can take both at same time.

      Reply
  25. Rezzy

    Well I’ve started on the iodine called iosol, which has no potassium. I’m trying a new Circadian T3 only protocol. Took first dosage today. Also my doc did a mouth swab test to see how quickly I metabolize my meds as she feels it’s so quick that my body doesn’t even have time to use it. I was on the Phen drug for three months again with absolutely no weightloss.

    I did read ” Why Am I So Tired” and her newsletter regarding iodine. Which prompted me to start on iodine. Did her(ALG) test, spot faded in less than 2 hours and was completely gone in less than four hours.

    I’m Following another protocol of Jonny Bowden, he did the Fat Loss Summit I was registered for, very interesting but nothing I already didn’t know or try. Then out of the blue he emails me his latest research on HGH (human growth hormone) along with IGF-1 hormone. Was very interesting, quite a few things I didn’t know.

    I ordered his plan which is some additional tweaking on a keto diet, 10 days on, carb night on tenth night. Then next three nights keto, then carb night. Etc. and HIIT exercises are not for people with metabolic damage. Until they are able to start burning fat.
    Only on my second day of diet, I’m “terminally optimistic ” that this will do something different, like maybe WORK!!!

    Reply
  26. Rezzy

    P.S the iodine is curing the chronic and worsening tooth sensitivity and pain I’ve developed since going keto as well. Thank god.

    Reply
  27. Sandi

    Hello fellow past ivillage members. Was golfgal there too. I definitely remember both Linda’s, but not sure about Candy. I just asked this weekend on the Facebook page if any of the oldies from ivillage or the other board are on FB. I remember a sassy blonde who was too funny and rode a motorcycle, but can’t remember her screen name.

    And I too, in my mid 60s have decided to jump back on the FF way of eating. I only have the original FF book and have downloaded Eat Fat…. on my ipad. I only briefly perused it. So glad to see the nut oils added. They make fantastic dressings, and in sautés. Linda, did you add these or substitute for the flax seed oil, still maintaining the 2T a day? I think the benefits of flaxseed oil outweigh any of the others, so I don’t want to stop doing that. Glad to see you guys back. Do you post on the FB page also?

    Reply

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