When Joan Barber first came into the Mercy HealthPlex in Anderson, she was very overweight and needed a wheelchair just to get around.  Today she is 100 pounds lighter and she is not only walking, but has more energy and is able to play with her grandkids and help her husband around the house.

 

Six years ago, Joan was over 350 pounds, having health issues and unable to enjoy any kind of physical activity. She came to the Mercy HealthPlex and started her weight loss journey in the pool. With the help of her husband and workout partner, Clarence, Joan was diligent about coming to the water classes for a couple of years. She got stronger moved on to weights and machines and went from wheelchair to walker.

 

Her road was not without its bumps, however. “All this time I was getting stronger, but I wasn’t changing my eating habits. I kept gaining weight.” Joan’s doctor made it clear that if she didn’t do something to lose weight, she might eventually lose her life.  

 

The Mercy HealthPlex staff taught her that losing weight is a lifestyle change that must include exercise and healthy eating. Then she read the book, “On Target Living,” by Chris Johnson who had just given a lecture at the HealthPlex.

 

Joan learned about healthy eating and the weight began to come off.  In one year, Joan lost 100 pounds at the HealthPlex. “My energy level is much higher. I no longer have pain in my knees. I can walk up steps, help around the house and do more things with my motorcycle club.” She insists, “I am not on a diet. Diets don’t work. I just eat healthy and exercise. I can even have some of my favorite foods. This was the easiest weight loss I have ever had and I’ve tried all of the diets.”

 

Joan believes that if she can lose 100 pounds anyone can. Her advice is, “find a facility with qualified staff who can help you, like the Mercy HealthPlex.  Have a workout partner like your spouse, friend, sister or mother.  Make up your mind to lose weight and commit yourself to a new lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating – take baby steps. And remember to treat yourself every once in a while, but don’t overdo it.”