Success Stories

James Hall

Total Pounds Lost: 100

Gastric Band Surgical Weight Loss

“If you don’t lose weight, you are going to die.” These are the words that changed Jeffersonville husband and father of two, James Hall’s, life.

James was very thin in high school, but as he got older he started to gain weight and developed diabetes. The medications he was taking contributed to his weight gain. As he became heavier, he became less active and the vicious cycle began. James’ blood pressure was so high that even medication wasn’t helping. He felt so poorly that he couldn’t walk, and breathing became difficult. Obstructive sleep apnea caused him to resort to sleeping in a recliner. At his heaviest, he weighed 386 pounds. James sought treatment with meal replacement programs without success. Floyd Memorial Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate endocrinologist, Sri Prakash Mokshagundam, MD, delivered the news that if James didn’t make major changes, he was not going to live. James decided he needed something more aggressive.

James discovered that his health insurance would cover weight loss surgery and sought out as much information as possible. He attended a surgical weight loss seminar at the Floyd Memorial Weight Management Center and decided that gastric banding surgery would be right for him. James explained, “The psychological exam and counseling really made a difference to me. I knew I had to change my lifestyle in order to survive. I felt that the team at Floyd Memorial really cared about me and really wanted me to succeed.”

James underwent gastric banding surgery in December 2011. After 15 months, he had lost 100 pounds and started feeling like he could live again. “I’ll never be a small person, but I feel that my life is no longer out of my control. I feel so much better. I’m off half of my medications and my blood pressure is controlled,” he said.

James added, “Weight loss surgery is not an easy road. I had to completely change my lifestyle, but the most worthwhile things require work. Living is better than dying any day. I feel like I have a second chance at life and will now be able to watch my grandkids grow up.”

Jeff Smith

Total Pounds Lost: 99

Weight Loss Treatment Plan: HMR Healthy Solutions Diet

Jeff Smith decided that he needed to do something about his weight when his size XXL shirt was too tight and he was having trouble breathing while doing physical activity.

Smith thought the HMR program was perfect for him. He explained, “The weekly classes really helped keep me on track. The food was really good and I never felt hungry. I actually had to force myself to eat more fruits and vegetables as part of the plan. I lost seven pounds in the first week, and it just kept coming off after that. I was amazed.” 

When asked about the cost of the program, Smith said, “It really wasn’t hard to justify the cost of the program when I added up how much I was spending on meals and vending machine snacks. It actually came out to be the same amount of money.”

Smith lost a total of 99 pounds and has kept it off for over a year. ”I feel so much better now. I’m in a better mood, and I feel like getting out and doing things. It’s amazing how much time I used to waste just sitting around,” he said.  

When asked if he would do it again, Smith explained, “I have referred dozens of people and I would tell anyone looking to lose weight and feel better to try it.” 

Bill Lawson

Total Pounds Lost: 186

Weight Loss Treatment Plan: HMR Healthy Solutions Diet

At 6’2″ tall, Bill Lawson weighed almost 400 pounds, had a 54″ waist and wore 4XL shirts. He is disabled with nerve damage to his hip and lower back, had knee problems, sleep apnea, type-2 diabetes and was taking 15 prescription medications. Lawson has struggled with his weight his entire life.

After speaking with his educator at the Floyd Memorial Weight Management Center, he chose the HMR Healthy Solutions program. Lawson explained, “This plan was ideal for the support from the HMR educators, the accountability, the triple imperative and the food selection. I wanted to lose 100 pounds.”

After Phase 1 ended, Lawson had lost nearly 70 pounds, his Hemoglobin A1C was down, and he was off of five prescription medications. He explains, “I chose to repeat Phase 1 until I reached my weight loss goal of 100 pounds, which I exceeded by 19 pounds. I then set an ultimate goal weight of 220 pounds.”

Lawson acheived a total weight loss to date of 186 pounds. “My Hemoglobin A1C is normal, my waist size is 38 and I’m now wearing size XL shirts. I still practice the triple imperative, use meal replacements and have 130 to 160 servings of fruits and veggies per week,” he said.  Lawson went from doing no physical activity to burning from 3800 to 4500 calories a week through low or no impact activities due to his disabilities. He adds, “HMR has changed my life!”

Trina Moses

Total Pounds Lost: 158

Weight Loss Treatment Plan: HMR Decision Free/Healthy Solutions Diet

In March of 2011, I started Floyd Memorial’s HMR Weight Loss program and have lost 158 pounds, and I am still losing weight. I started on the Decision Free plan, but transistioned to the Healthy Solutions diet program by adding fruits and vegetables. The HMR program has helped me lose weight, learn healthy eating habits and add physical activity as part of my life.

Losing the weight has helped me in many ways. My thyroid level has decreased, as well as my glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I am, and have always been, a very positive and happy person; however, I now have more confidence, a better self-image and higher self-esteem. I have dropped four to five sizes and am now able to wear more trendy style clothes – which I love!  I also have more energy ­and zest for life than ever before.  

I have overcome many obstacles in my life and losing weight just adds to the list. I went from barely walking to running, which is something I never thought I’d enjoy doing. Now, if I don’t run, it’s like a void in my life. I love to run every opportunity I get. In April 2012, I ran a mini marathon, which for me, was something I really never thought or dreamed of doing. When the medal was placed on my neck it was such a great feeling of a tremendous accomplishment! I have since run the Triple Crown of Racing and have never felt better. Without the support from my family, friends and health educators, my success and ongoing weight loss would not be possible.