Keesler medic celebrates weight loss milestone Published Sept. 2, 2014 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- August 16 was a special anniversary for Courtney Tillman. It marked one year since she began a weight-loss campaign during which, to date, she has shed almost 160 pounds. Tillman, an Intensive Care Unit monitor technician with the 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron, weighed 355 pounds when she began the ketogenic diet after she had to ask for a seatbelt extension during a trip to Scotland. It was embarrassing!" She said. The "keto" diet is a low-carb diet similar to Atkins, but with leaner meats and proteins, Tillman explained. "For the first couple of months, I just dieted" she said. "Then I did a little bit of walking. I've been in a kick-boxing class the past two or three months and I just started Muay Thai class." Tillman trains at a local mixed martial arts club. Describing the reaction of coworkers to her achievement, Tillman commented, "Everyone has been super supportive. Knowing I've had so much support has kept me motivated." In addition to her improved appearance, she noted, "I'm feeling wonderful! I'm much more active and flexible. I'm able to do things I never thought I could; two weeks ago, I did a back roll for the first time!" With an ultimate goal of reaching 155 pounds, Tillman will continue her workouts. "I've been working out two times a week but have increased it to three times," she said. A native of Mobile, Tillman moved to Biloxi around four years ago, about the time she began working at Keesler Medical Center. She returns to Mobile every two weeks, she said, to visit family. "Every time my family sees me, they just can't believe my progress" she said. "They notice a huge difference in my appearance." Tillman commented her mother's side of the family has faced weight issues, noting one aunt has been losing weight while another has been struggling. She has been giving her advice on weight-loss techniques. She suggests anyone starting a diet should think of it as a change, not a diet. "Don't think about all the food you can't eat. Be creative with what you can eat." Her goal has been to lose weight in 10-pound increments. "If it looks good on me then I'll try to lose another 10." She encourages dieters to set realistic goals and not be discouraged if they only take off 1 pound. "If you look at what a pound of fat looks like...losing 1 pound a week or month all counts!"