My fitness journey (from guilt to self-respect)

Weight loss 13 kg, 7-inch waist reduction

• Name-  Mr.Kiran Dattatraya Velhankar
• Age-  50 Years Young
• Profession- Designer
• Place - Pune, Maharashta

Hello Friends,
 
I'm Kiran Velhankar, a 50 years young resident of Pune. I am a designer by profession and have owned a business since 2010.

My ill-health story

I never had the temperament to be an athlete. Certainly, ‘awake and arise’ was never my motto. My workouts, mostly outdoor cycling, and gymming, were dictated by my mood.  But in September 2022, I was appalled to see that my pants were getting tighter and I was having some trouble buttoning my shirts.

Friends, family, and colleagues enquired about my health and also advised me to go for a larger clothing size. I used to keep my hands over my belly so that no one could notice it. The increasing weight and belly were shaming me.

I was never a diabetic but was diagnosed with high blood pressure and cholesterol, a few years ago. I never made an issue of popping pills to keep it under control, but a new problem had entered my life – a bloated stomach and severe acidity. It started dominating my routine. Headache was a regular matter now.

I used to make multiple visits to my family doctor’s clinic each week. The first day of a family vacation used to be a mess with severe acidity, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Taking up FFD

Amid all this, I developed descending colitis, thanks to my unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits. That was an eye-opener. It pushed me to gain control over my health. My wife insisted that I should join FFD. 

Honestly, I didn’t know about FFD so I was a bit hesitant but my wife put her foot down and so, I attended my first session conducted by Dr. Tripathi. I decided to join Freedom from Diabetes soon after.

Mr. Kiran Velhankar 

FFD journey

The diet protocol was the toughest to be followed as my wife left the house for her office at 7.30 am and returned after 8.00 pm. Still, she suggested that we follow everything to the fullest.

The journey towards fitness began. There was a visible difference. I started losing weight.  I lost a good 13 kg from 83 to 70.  At one point my mother told me to stop the diet as I was looking weak. It confirmed that I was on the right path.

My favorite part has to be the workout routine of Sun salutations, planks, and push-ups. My first session with Dr. Malhar motivated me immensely. I started the 3-2-1 exercise schedule. In no time, my waist size reduced from 42 inches to 35 inches; an undeniable sign that I was losing ‘Madhya Pradesh.’ All this positively impacted me, I started meeting my friends again and returned home with compliments like, ‘How fit you look’, ‘You look healthy’, etc.

In 2017, I had my hip replacement surgery so there were physical limitations. What I do on a regular basis is cycle and strength building.  Thanks to my exercise expert, Ashwini Angarkhe, and diet expert, Urjita Shah.

I am doing my exercises even on Sundays. Now, it is very difficult to rest and not do any exercise.

The transformation stories in our group keep me inspired and motivated. My goal is to remain consistent and become an athlete. My bloating issue has gone. There is no acidity or headache.  BP- cholesterol is under control. I am not of the medicine yet, but I am okay with it.

Key quote

"I would like to thank Dr. Pramod and Dr. Malhar for guiding me on this path."

Key takeaways

• Weight loss of 13 kg
• 7-inch reduction in waist size
• Super fit