We are thrilled to share with you a transformation story that is sure to inspire. Meet Mary, who embarked on her weight loss journey 50 weeks ago. From a 3XL to a Small shirt size, she's lost an astounding 145 lbs and turned her life around. Her journey was not just about weight loss, but also about overcoming health issues, regaining mobility, and improving her self-confidence.
"Everyday I thought about how I needed to get healthy, I tried to lose weight, but just couldn't do it on my own. I have spent my entire adult life very overweight. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees which really hurt my mobility. The doctor told me they would never perform surgery on someone with my BMI. I felt horrible about myself. When I asked my primary doctor for help, she referred me to a weight management doctor in the network and he didn't help at all. He just told me to add protein bars and shakes to my diet. He never took any bloodwork or gave me much attention.
After topping the scale at 282 lbs at the age of 57 and only 5' tall, I knew that if I didn't do something soon, I wouldn't be around for my family. I researched Transition Medical Weight Loss and was also considering bariatric surgery. I found myself continuing to go back to Transitions' website and decided to make the appointment on 6/13/22. The week before my appointment, I was in Philadelphia with my family helping my daughter with my new grandson. My mind said I was able to be of great help to her, but my body said differently. Whenever we walked, if I didn't hold onto the stroller, I couldn't walk on my own. The knee pain was just too much, and I kept it to myself. I couldn't walk across town to see the things we wanted to see, and by the end of the trip, I was in such pain that I didn't think I could make it another step. I confessed to my family how much pain I was truly experiencing (They knew it, since I am not good at hiding things). I told them about my consultation on 6/13 and my daughter reviewed all the information about Transition. She is an Epidemiologist with background in obesity and nutrition, and she gave me her professional opinion that Transition seemed like one of the best programs out there. I felt hopeful.
On Monday morning, I met Joe, and he was amazing. He listened and understood everything I was going through and truly wanted to help. He didn't make me feel bad about myself. I knew that day that Transition was for me. I signed up immediately and started the program the very next day. My only goal was to be a healthy person; I didn't have a weight goal in mind, I just took one day and one week at a time. The medical support, the weekly encouragement, and the focus on non-scale victories was everything I needed. The food plan really worked for me and every week I felt a little better, stronger and more motivated. I was seeing positive changes not only in my appearance, but in my movement too.
After 24 weeks, I signed up for another 24 weeks to keep going. The team helped me through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all other holidays by never telling me not to eat something off the plan, rather "everything in moderation". I looked forward to my weekly visits. It was great to get my food, get the one-on-one support and to experience all the positive reinforcement from Joe, Amy, Cheryl, Michelle and everyone else on the team.
As the weight continued to come off, a personal goal of mine was to join Orangetheory Fitness once I lost 100 lbs. In Jan of 2023, after I hit 100lbs, I proudly achieved that goal, joined, and jumped right into a weekly routine. I continue to make it a lifestyle since being a healthy person is my #1 goal. The motto I now live by is "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you". I am now running, rowing and lifting weights 3 times a week without knee replacement surgery. Transition Medical Weight Loss saved my life. I am now a member for life, and I know that if I can do it, anyone can.
Thank you to Dr. Korbey for creating this plan and for hiring the PERFECT TEAM. I am forever grateful for Joe's weekly encouragement and belief that I will be successful. Thank you to my family for all the love and support. I am finally the Woman, Wife, Mother, and Nana I have always wanted to be!" read more