Via Christi Weight Management Success Stories
John Esau
Address: Walton, KS
Medical Weight Loss Treatment Plan: HMR Low Calorie Diet
Total pounds lost: 205
Body Mass Index before HMR: 54
Body Mass Index after HMR: 27
Physical activity before HMR: 0
Physical activity after HMR: 6-8 hours/week
Triglycerides before HMR: 181
Triglycerides after HMR: 41
Blood pressure before HMR: 144/84
Blood pressure after HMR: 122/80
"I am 47. I have had a weight problem throughout most of my adult life but the last 10 years or so has been out of control. I have had high blood pressure for years but have always been able to control it with medication. The only other significant health issues that I have are sleep apnea, borderline diabetes, and problems with my knees. I had to have shots in my knees every two or three months for pain control."
"In July 2005 I went to my cardiologist for my annual visit. At this point I weighed over 400 lbs. As usual, my doctor told me I needed to lose weight, but this time he asked me a question that upset me. He asked if I had considered weight loss surgery and stated that without changing my weight, I have shortened by live by 15 to 20 years. I told him that there was no way I would even consider surgery and that I could lose the weight on my own. He responded by saying "you keep saying that, but each year you come in, you keep getting bigger and bigger." He then suggested that I just consider all of the options and said three words that I will never forget. "Knowledge is power." After that appointment my wife and I decided that we would look at our options. This led us to Dr. Early’s orientation at the HMR Program for Weight Management. We were very impressed and decided to try the program."
"I started the program in September 22nd, 2005 weighing 417 lbs. My BMI was 54 and my waist size was 54". My goal was to lose 200 lbs. and I am happy to say that I reached my goal in 11 months. To date, I have lost 205 lbs., my BMI is 27, and my waist size is 36". I walk at least 20 miles per week or at least 6 to 10 hours per week. I am off most of my medications and I haven’t had any problems with my knees, diabetes, and sleep apnea for over a year. Most importantly, I am able to do things with my family that I never dreamed that I would be able to do again, may of which most people take for granted. "
"The HMR Program has literally saved my life. I feel that this is a well rounded program and addresses many areas where most diets fall short. The main areas that I am referring to are medical monitoring, eating healthy foods, physical exercise, and education and support. The education and support are the key areas that make this program different and, in my opinion, successful. This program teaches you to look at food in a different way and that a healthy lifestyle is not just losing weight but your overall wellness."
"The support that is part of the Maintenance classes – where I am and will always be – is so essential because it offers the reinforcement and accountability from my Health Educator that I need to maintain my healthy lifestyle."
"I have finally come to the realization that my lifestyle change has to be for the rest of my life. If I ever go back to my old lifestyle and my old habits, there is no doubt in my mind that I will put the weight right back on. "
"The HMR program at Via Christi Weight Management not only helped me but my whole family. Even though they do not have problems with their weight, they are seeing the overall wellness benefit that is achieved with the program and they have made positive lifestyle changes themselves."