Life Changers: Woman Loses Nearly 100 Pounds With Help From Corporate Health

(This letter was received from an employee of one of our client companies)

My decision to change my life began in March 2008 when I saw two co-workers succeeding through a weight loss program at work. I weighed 274.4 pounds and wore a size 26. For 20 years, I had been tired of being over weight, feeling tired all the time, hating how my clothes fit (and the stores I HAD to shop in). But something inside of me said, "It's time".

The realization that this was a situation I had total control over, coupled with the support I received from my employer's wellness program through TriHealth Corporate Health and Weight Watchers, got me started.

I began by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week and sticking to the Weight Watchers flex plan religiously. The pounds began to drop, and I increased my walking gradually, up to 60 minutes, five times a week. This, from a woman who NEVER exercised! It was my time to get away for a bit, relax and enjoy my time to myself. The laundry and dishes would be there when I returned. Walking became my priority, not an activity I had no time for.

A big part of the success of my journey is thanks to TriHealth Corporate Health, who ran the wellness program my employer sponsored. I found the staff to be fabulous and so supportive, always offering tips and advice as well as offering their congratulations on my success. TriHealth Corporate Health's Medical Director Dr. Doug Linz's visit was especially helpful and he graciously took one-on-one time to answer my questions about exercise. He even gave me his card if I needed to talk further.

As of today, I am down to 178 pounds, for a total loss of 96.4 pounds on my way to a goal of 170 pounds. Only eight more pounds to go! I am wearing a size 14, down from a size 26! I have a new wardrobe and enjoy shopping for clothes again, something I have not enjoyed for 20 years.

Even more importantly, my triglycerides and cholesterol are back in the healthy range, and I no longer take high blood pressure medication. My best advice to those fighting this same battle is this: Take control of your life and no more excuses! You can get healthy, too. Just make up your mind that "It's time." I did.

Sincerely,
Barb Starkey