Starting in 2005, Tiwatha Godley began a workout regime after she was inspired by online health tips from Duke's LIVE FOR LIFE employee wellness program. In this video, she shares her experiences and pictures of where she was and how she is today.
Duke Employee Loses 100 Pounds Using Online Resources
Tiwatha Godley was in denial about her eating habits and weight.
"I used to tell my doctor that I was taking her advice, that I was eating right and exercising," said Godley, a nursing care assistant and health unit coordinator in ambulatory surgery in Duke University Hospital. "I'd tell her that I had a salad for lunch when I really had a fast food burger."
Godley weighed 290 pounds, her heaviest, in 2000 and had been overweight more than 19 years. But in the past three years, she has lost 100 pounds. Without surgery, diet pills or yo-yo dieting, she got moving on her own with Duke's online health and fitness tips.
Godley, 39, signed up earlier this year for the online initiative, Eat Wise and Exercise, offered by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program. She learned about nutrition and exercise, and now receives a daily e-mail with tips for a healthier lifestyle.
Godley took the electronic route because she doesn't have time to participate in LIVE FOR LIFE fitness and nutrition activities and workshops due to her hectic schedule, she said. Because she works in patient care, she's unable to leave her department for breaks during the day, and as a single mother with two children, including one with disabilities, she's eager to get home after work. Her favorite virtual motivation has been the e-mail tip of the day. She finds the cooking tips about cooking with less sodium and fat, and the quick, easy recipes especially helpful.
"I used to print them out and tape them to the desk as reminders," Godley said. "It was very encouraging, and it was also convenient."
In 2005, Godley faced reality after seeing a photograph of herself at her youngest daughter's soccer game. She said she couldn't believe "how big" she looked. "I didn't like what I saw," Godley said. "That December, I just started walking. I didn't go far, and I got out of breath quickly. But I didn't give up."
Godley's determination and positive attitude have made her successful, said her Duke primary care physician, Dr. Jennifer Jo.
"She decided to take charge of her life," Jo said. "She's focused on having an overall, healthy lifestyle, not on being thin or on a quick-fix. I'm very proud of her because I know how difficult it was for her to initially
be honest with herself."
Godley said she realized her unhealthy habits affected her daughters. They were following in her footsteps, especially her youngest daughter, Jayda Henry, 12. Now, mother and daughter exercise together.
"My daughters keep me going," Godley said. "I want to be healthy for them, and I want them to be healthy. Before, I couldn't be involved in their activities. I'd get home from work and take a nap. Now they can hardly keep up with me."
Godley's seen the rewards. She ran her first half-marathon in August and received a Lifestyle Change Award this year from the American Heart Association. She weighs about 190 but wants to lose 25 pounds before she turns 40 in May. "My goal is to be a healthy size by then," she said.
— By Elizabeth Michalka
Writer/Public Relations Specialist Senior
Fuqua School of Business
