Weight Loss Success at the HealthPlex

ANDERSON | FAIRFIELD | WESTERN HILLS

Weight Loss Success Stories

Mercy HealthPlex members and non-members are taking advantage of our expert fitness and nutrition programs and finding that they can lose weight and change their lives. You can do it, too! Keep checking back for more inspirational weight loss success stories.

My name is Randy Woodall. I am 48 years old, legally blind and used to weigh 346 pounds. On January 19 2009, I began a journey that, with the help of Mercy HealthPlex, has allowed me to lose 166 pounds in just under 14 months.

I have been married to my wonderful wife Kimberly for over 27 years. We have a 27 year old son Brian. I work in the IT department for Verso Paper Corp., which can be a very sedentary job. Although I was very active when I was younger, I have not had any hobbies that required physical activity for a long time.

In February 2006, I suffered from three strokes. I had a blocked artery and needed a heart stint. As I lay in the hospital room, I told myself that things couldn’t get any worse. In January 2009, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The doctor told me that we would use medicine to get it under control, taking the number of prescriptions that I was on up to seven a day. He told me that if the medicine didn’t work, that we would have to look into insulin shots. Shots? Needles? No way, not me!

I gave up processed sugar that day. I would do anything to make sure that I didn't need insulin shots. At first, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy food again, but Kimberly told me that "I can have ANYTHING I want; I just can’t have EVERYTHING I want." I took this message to heart and started eating five or six smaller meals each day. I also drank plenty of water to keep my body hydrated. Food is fuel and you don’t put bad fuel into your car and expect to get great performance out of it, so why would you treat your body any differently? This would not be a “diet” but a “lifestyle” change.

I knew that eating better was not something I could do alone this time. Kimberly suggested joining the Mercy HealthPlex as we live right next door and had heard a lot of positive feedback from my doctors. One of my friends had recently joined and said that her family really enjoyed the Plex and that they catered to “everyday people” and not just the “pretty people.” My son and I joined together. It has been one of the best decisions that I have made. The HealthPlex has the cardio equipment that I need to lose weight and it has the strength equipment Brian needed to build his body. The staff has been great at giving me guidance to reach my goal.

I started out small, doing about 30 minutes on the exercise bike and walking 1-1 ½ miles on either the walking track or in the pool three times a week. Then my cardiologist told me that 30 minutes of cardio will build muscle, but 45 minutes will burn fat. I started to do a 45 minute cardio workout three times a week. I now swim in the pool instead of walking. I also treat myself to the whirlpool to relax.

This was a journey, but I intend it to be a one way trip. I will not go back to 346 pounds. I have been lucky to have a support structure help me get this far. Between my very supportive family and friends, and the staff at the HealthPlex, I know that I will keep succeeding in my quest to get and stay healthy.

It's cliché to say if I can do it, so can you, but it really is true. A little over a year ago, I would lay in bed and think “why can’t I just be thinner?” and “why can’t I just wake up and have the weight gone?” Now, by following some basic changes in my eating and moving myself around, I no longer ask those questions.

I am happy to say that I now weigh 179 pounds and I have a 36 inch waist, I am also in much better health. My glucose is now under control, my family does not worry about me dropping over at any time and I have more energy than I have had in years.

On October 28 I had an appointment with my cardiologist who said we needed to address my weight. After leaving his office, I was mad and disgusted. It dawned on me that the only one who could deal with this health issue was me, and I knew it was time to get SERIOUS. The next day I went to the HealthPlex to begin an exercise program. I met with Jessica about how I could tackle this problem. She told me about how training could help and I decided to sign up.

My journey began the next day with weight and measurements. This was the springboard for me to begin my training. I also began a diet program. Documentation of food choices, exercise, and planning for whatever I eat is my Number One priority.

In my work with Jessica I began to focus on the words BELIEVE and I CAN, I WILL. When I started I wasn’t sure that I would ever really like exercise because I hated it so much. I tried each time I met with her to be committed and to focus on what I could do and not how it looked. It wasn’t pretty and I couldn’t see a lot of progress but I was moving along. Jessica suggested I also try the Super Seniors class led by Marge Huber. I started that class in mid November. At first, I had four left feet and felt I would never be able to do what these ladies were doing. But I went back to the next class and now attend this class three times a week. It makes me feel good, enables me to make new friends, and provides me with an outlet for fun and work.

I finally made myself the PRIORITY. I finally understood that this was what I needed to do for me so I could do all the things I wanted to do and to be able to help others. If I didn’t lose the weight and exercise, I was going to have more health issues. This time I knew I would success because I had a plan, goal, and mentor/trainer. I had someone who was walking beside me as I struggled and did the work. Some days it seemed impossible to keep going but I was renewed when I saw what I was accomplishing.

My first goal was to finish the Heart Mini Marathon 5K walk in 2-2 1/2 hrs. Jessica walked with me encouraging me to forge on in the rain and snow. It wasn’t easy but I did it and really shocked myself with my time of 1 hr 20 minutes. It was an awesome feeling to believe all things are possible. I began to have BELIEVE as my motto. This Journey of 13 months has been filled with tears, fears, laughs, happy dance, joy and many challenges. But along this road my trainer Jessica was always there for support and encouragement. She has been a fortress of strength for me. I do things at the Healthplex that I never thought I could. Jessica has been a "slavedriver" but she has never challenged me to do anything she felt I couldn’t do. Her faith, belief, sense of humor, inspiration,and patience have enabled me to do this Journey. I have lost 78 lbs and dropped 7-8 clothing sizes. I have completed two more 5K's lowering my time on each one. The Plex has been there for me and the support and kudos I get from my fellow members has been inspiring and oh so helpful.

BELIEVE in your self is the number one idea you must place in your head. This is your life and your health and you must want to change to accomplish your goal. Changing my lifestyle, my habits, and my eating that it was just the beginning. I know that I will always be on this journey because I know that I am worth this priority. The Journey never will be over but I have so much to be thankful for. I can do things I never could before such as fasten the seat belt on a plane, wrap a towel around me, take links off a bracelet, have a guard placed on my favorite ring, wear jeans with a button and zipper and go shopping without wondering if clothes would be big enough. Choices are there for me in many things because of my weight loss and my lifestyle change.

BELIEVE AND ACT AS IF IT WERE IMPOSSIBLE TO FAIL.

- Charles Kettering

I struggled with my weight most of my adult life and put on additional weight during a stressful time in 2008. At Christmas that year, my family decided to have a 'Family Biggest Loser' competition with the finale being in July at my daughter's wedding in Jamaica. This was the push I needed to get serious about getting in shape again.

In early 2009, I began paying more attention to my diet and started spending more time at the HealthPlex. Initially, I was only able to last 15 minutes on the elliptical machine but added to that over the next several weeks and in March began my spinning 'journey'. I continued with both elliptical and spinning with some weight training and swimming thrown in. I lost 33.5 lbs by July, putting me in 3rd place in our family competition behind my daughter and step son.

I continued with spinning classes, added some pilates classes, and was up to an hour on the elliptical machine. By the end of 2009 I had lost a total of 50 lbs. and I feel so much better! I'm still working on the last few pounds to get to my personal goal and am grateful for the support and encouragement I get from my family and the trainers at HealthPlex.

We continue with our family competition, but it's now based on who's closest to their goal weight with a winner every 6 months. I'll get to my goal this year and plan to continue being active and aware of my diet to stop the roller coaster once and for all.

We lost 121 lbs!

During my pregnancy I gained 60 pounds and after several months still weighed in around 160. Shawn, my husband, owner and Chef of the Brown Dog Café, works long hours and has been around food his entire life. Even though he has always been active with skiing, bicycling, basketball and racquetball, he has weighed in the 300+ range. After our son was born the doctor slowly began prescribing several medications to control his blood pressure, cholesterol and his sugar level (he was pre-diabetic). According to his doctor he could no longer procrastinate losing weight and exercising more consistently or more health problems would occur.

With a young son to raise, we decided to become serious about working out and eating healthy. We picked a start date and I packed up any and all food that was a refined carbohydrate or sugar and removed it from our home. I went to the store and bought fresh herbs and spices and my husband used his cooking background to make recipes that were healthy and tasteful, taking the sting out of dieting. However, the diet alone would not have given my husband or I our results. We have had personal trainers, taken Pilates classes, gone to spinning (even the 5:45am class!), and Shawn rides his bike to work when able.

Even though the changes we made took effort, they were not impossible to make. Giving up bread, pasta and crackers, while incorporating more fresh herbs, spices, nuts and low-fat cheese was not the end of the world.

This entire process was aided by the Mercy HealthPlex. They have a wonderful child care facility with extensive hours that can entertain our son while we work out, and it provides many family oriented programs, as well as an array of exercise activities we are able to take part in.

We have made a commitment to our family to change our lifestyle and we are sticking to it!

Saundra K. Richey - Lost 26 lbs.

Shawn McCoy - Lost 95 lbs., Pant Size 36, down from 46

Preston McCoy - Weight 33lbs., Still Growing

Karen lost 110 lbs!

“I didn’t take my weight or my medical problems seriously. Then my doctor said ‘Do something NOW or you will be dead by the time you are 50.’ I had 3 options: 1. gastric bypass, 2. eat right and exercise, 3. do nothing.

My brother encouraged me to join the Mercy HealthPlex. I was not a fan of “gyms.” I came to the HealthPlex and was surprised that there were people just like me trying to get in shape and get healthy.

I got serious. I used the expert help from HealthPlex personal trainers and dietitians and tried the different classes that they offered. I lost 90 lbs. in one year!

My medical conditions have minimized, I’m on fewer medications and I am leading the life of my dreams. My doctor is amazed at the changes in me. I would rather be walking or riding my bike than sitting on the couch. The HealthPlex environment inspired me so much that I am now a spinning instructor!”

Check out one of Karen's Spinning classes at the Mercy HealthPlex Fairfield on Fridays at 5:45am or Sundays at 9:30am.

JAMES LOST 43 POUNDS IN EIGHT WEEKS!
I have always been a bigger guy all my life. I never decided to do anything about it until a family member called me and asked if I wanted to try the weight loss challenge. I figured I would give it shot. After the initial measurements and weighing in every week, I started to see pounds and inches disappear. When all was said and done after the eight weeks of exercising, eating right, and meeting with the personal trainer on a weekly basis, I have dropped 43 lbs and quite a few inches. I feel great, and I have a lot more energy. Mercy makes it an enjoyable experience and the personal trainer, Jessica Niehaus, was fantastic.

- James D., Mercy HealthPlex Western Hills

TRENT IS LEARNING TO EAT AND EXERCISE THE RIGHT WAY

We all know how to lose weight – eat right and exercise. That's simple, common knowledge. What isn't common knowledge is how to do both of those things correctly. That's what Mercy Health Plex did for me.

The personal attention and directed diet and exercise plan was specific for me and my hectic lifestyle, as well as educational for the rest of my life. It's not a quick fix, it's a complete lifestyle change that Mercy helped me achieve. From the registered dietician, to the specialized training, to the instant feedback from the latest technology, the knowledgeable trainers and even the smiling, welcoming faces from the staff, the people at Mercy Health Plex provided me everything needed to achieve a successful long-term change.

Sometimes it was as easy as an encouraging word or e-mail from a caring staff member or the urging from a personal trainer, whatever it was, it helped me succeed and become more healthy in my everyday life and make the right decisions at the grocery store, dinner table and in the gym.

I knew I was on the right track when my pants fell off while I was walking. I also feel better in my clothes and don't get worn out as easily. The endurance is even more rewarding than the weight loss. In all, I just feel better.

You know what to do, but let Mercy Health Plex show you how to do it.

- C. Trent R., Mercy HealthPlex Western Hills

KAREN IS TAKING CONTROL AND LIVING A MORE ACTIVE LIFE

As a breast cancer survivor, I knew the importance of eating right and exercising. There are studies that support this. My oncologist talked to me about losing weight and exercising. It was in my head but not in my heart. I was so out of shape, I didn’t want to take the first step. Then a friend asked me if I wanted to join her Change Your Life Challenge team, a Mercy HealthPlex weight loss program. I was intrigued by the “team” approach. I liked that I would have to be accountable to my teammates. I liked that I would weigh-in with my trainer. Still, I’ve tried many other “diets” and exercise programs. Would this work?

I began this journey on January 2. I told myself this was NOT a New Year’s Resolution. It was a Lifestyle Change. Our trainer, Lyndsey, was good at giving us fun and challenging exercises and modifying them for each person. We met with a Nutritionist who helped us with our food choices and portion control. In the last four months, I’ve lost 35 pounds and still want to lose more. I would recommend the Mercy HealthPlex’s Change Your Life Challenge to anyone. Our trainer helped keep us motivated. My team did not win, but I feel better about taking control of my health and living a more active life for my family. That was much better than any prize.

-Karen C., Mercy HealthPlex Anderson

RANDY IS MAKING A COMMITMENT TO HEALTH
Last December, I took a good long look at myself and my lifestyle which consisted of working many long hour days, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol and little, if any, exercise. I finally decided it was time to make a commitment to health - mind, body and soul.

I joined the Results in 3 program at the Mercy Health Plex Anderson as soon as the program became available. What a life changing decision this has turned out to be! I participated in strength training exercises twice a week with my personal trainer and met with a nutritionist to gain education on healthy eating habits.

It was quite a challenge in the beginning, but this journey actually turned into a lifestyle change for me.  I work out every morning on my home treadmill, visit the HealthPlex for continued strength training and eat healthy meals. I have lost 29 lbs (so far).

-Randy S., Regional Coding & Compliance Manager , Mercy Anderson

BECKY HAS MORE ENERGY AND NO PAIN!

As healthcare workers, we tend to take care of everyone but ourselves.  This year has been a blessing for me and my family. I joined the Fairfield HealthPlex in mid-January and started a weight loss program, Results in 3. Since the start of this year, I have lost more than 26 inches and 20+ pounds. I have more energy and no pain!

During a snow storm this winter, I took a walk and hit a patch of ice and fell. I honestly feel that if I had not been going to the HealthPlex, I would have hurt myself. Instead, I got up and felt OK. I am very grateful to Stephanie Wise, my personal trainer for the program. Her continued support and belief in me through this experience has truly given me my life back. I have made changes that I can live with forever, not just until the weight is gone. This is different than any other plan I have used in the past.

The Results in 3 program uses a dietician and the SenseWear Armband as well as personal training. The program is expensive, but my husband and I felt it was important enough for me to do this. We came up with the money and are both glad we did. I am healthier and able to do more than ever.

I have been an employee with Mercy for 28 years and truly feel blessed to have this facility and personnel in my life.

God Bless You.

-Becky M., X-ray Technician, Mercy Liberty Falls

DONNA IS GETTING THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED
We had our first family workout session with Jessica Leonard, Personal Trainer, on Saturday, January 26, 2008. On that first day, none of us (including Jess!) thought that four months and two 8-week Change Your Life Challenge sessions later our family would lose 149 pounds. We’ve tried many times individually in the past to lose weight without much success. Jack and Nick had started working out with Jess and she suggested we try the Change Your Life Challenge. We decided that we would do this as a family and concentrate on living a healthier lifestyle instead of a quick loss to a “magic number.”

Even though we’re not all at a healthy weight yet, we’re already seeing the health benefits with lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. We’re much more active and are beginning to try new activities like kayaking, bicycling, spinning, HydroRider and training to walk a 10K. Jess’ training style fits well with our family – she knows when to push us to work harder, makes us laugh with her many stories and encourages us with her “you can do it” attitude and her contagious energy. We don’t always love her while she’s making us do planks, but we always appreciate her when we’re finished and realize that we made it through another session.

The nutrition sessions included with the Challenge have also helped us tremendously. We now look at nutrition labels before eating and buying. Our kitchen is no longer filled with “quick” processed foods and high sugar snacks but with fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and lean meats. We’re ready to start our 3rd session with Jess – and we hope Jess is ready for the Webers! We are confident that working together as a family will get us to a healthy weight. We really appreciate all the support, help and encouragement we’ve received from everyone at Mercy HealthPlex, especially Jess!

-Donna W., Mercy HealthPlex Western Hills

DENISE IS GETTING HER BLOOD PRESSURE UNDER CONTROL

When I started this program my blood pressure was out of control. Upon consent from my physician and encouragement from co-workers, I signed up for the Change Your Life Challenge. I lost 15 pounds and, thanks to my new lifestyle, my blood pressure is within normal range.

My success was so huge that I decided to do the Challenge again for another eight weeks. Thank you to Betsy, my personal trainer in the Challenge!

-Denise N., Mercy HealthPlex Western Hills