success stories

Geoff
Cincinnati, OH
Weight Lost: 196 lbs and counting

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"I wanted to be a good role model for my daughters and knew I needed to embark on my own weight loss regime to do so. Plus I was turning 45 and I wanted to be healthier. I had tried other methods before and had even considered surgery before finally joining the OPTIFAST program at Jewish Hospital Weight Management Center.

I didn't consider myself a sedentary man, but I admit that being overweight meant I didn't have the ability to be athletic. A decent sized hike was the limit. I would walk briskly, but I couldn't run if I had too. I had knee and ankle problems that were made worse by my weight. Thanks to the weight loss, I have accomplished a 150 mile bike ride and I have seen a positive change in the level of physical activity in my family as well.

Weight loss for me was fast which helped to keep me motivated and the support of my family and friends was an added boost. The biggest challenges didn't come from having only meal replacements but rather in attending the weekly meetings. I'm generally not a "joiner" and I didn't think groups meetings would work for me. But I learned they really do work, and that changed a lot of my preconceived notions. Going each week and getting the support made a huge difference.

After losing nearly 200lbs through the program, I am confident that the OPTIFAST program was indeed the last stop on my path to weight loss success. I think differently about food and my life. For those considering the program, I have a few words of advice: Although you need to make sure you're ready to commit to the program, know that it is not harsh. I was surprised by the respect of the individuality that people in the program showed me. They realized that everyone is going to be little different, and there are ways to make the program adapt to your body and your psyche."

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