Newswise — Dave Severson is half the man he used to be—Literally.
In the past eighteen months, the 48-year-old Chicago resident has shed over 200 pounds, slightly more than the sum of his current weight.
"I have battled with my weight my whole life. I was overweight even as a child," said the accountant for a manufacturing company. "My life is totally different. I have more energy and am able to do more activities. And I'm off all my medications." Due to his weight, Dave was spending $115 per month on medication for blood pressure and also cholesterol.
Dave credits his success to the 12-week, medical weight loss program at Gottlieb Center for Fitness in Melrose Park. "I tried every kind of diet and was never able to keep the weight off," he said. "This program was totally different because medical professionals worked with me to reverse my bad health habits. They gave me the tools I needed to succeed," he said.
"Dave was an ideal candidate for the medical weight loss program," said Physician, Richard Finegold, MD, who spearheads the program. "He had a large amount of weight to lose and was willing to make important changes. Dave successfully partnered with everyone— nutritionists, physiologists and therapists— to improve his health."
The program is unique in that a team of medical professionals works together to address every aspect of a person's wellness. Dr. Finegold gives each participant a complete physical and carefully monitors his or her health during the three months. He also consults regularly with each team member on the member's progress and modifies the plan of necessary. A psychiatrist leads behavior modification sessions to help the candidate identify the triggers for overeating or poor food choices. "I identified that my regular habit of eating out in restaurants or ordering food to go resulted in eating too many calories," said Dave. "And by changing my route home to include a stop at the Center for Fitness to exercise, I was able to change my focus to something healthy."
Susan Mohan, RN, and exercise physiologist at the Gottlieb Center for Fitness developed an exercise program tailored for Dave. "I never exercised in my life because I had gotten so large. I was scared I would have a heart attack," Dave admitted. He felt reassured by the thorough medical assessment that was performed by Dr. Finegold. "The only reason I felt comfortable even trying to exercise was knowing that Susan is a registered nurse and that Gottlieb Hospital is attached to the Center." Susan knew of Dave's hesitation and eased him into a workout routine. "I started out with just walking on the treadmill," he said. "Next I progressed to exercising in the warm-water pool, and eventually moved to using specific pieces of cardio equipment," he said.
Each participant maintains a food diary, charting what and when he or she eats. A nutritionist meets regularly with each person to review eating habits and develop a food plan. "I learned the skills of advance meal planning, sticking to a list when food shopping and how to handle places and situations where relapses could occur," Dave said. Eating a healthy breakfast proved to be something Dave routinely neglected to do in the past. "With the help of the nutritionist, I learned the importance of eating a good meal three times a day, combined with a few healthy snacks. I stopped eating in front of the TV at night, and ate meals at the table, focusing on what I was eating and enjoying the food."
Susan and Dave tried different things at the Center for Fitness to keep the routine interesting such as: the elliptical, weights, the stationary bike, and the Nu-step. As the 12 weeks progressed, Dave's enthusiasm increased and so did his endurance. "He was so dedicated," said Susan. "You could see his self-confidence grow almost every day."
Now the group controller, who often travels for his job, works out regularly. "The Center for Fitness is perfect because it is located between my home and my work," he said. "My day is incomplete if I don't exercise, whether it's while I'm on the road or when I'm at home."
Dave continued his membership at the Center for Fitness after the initial three-month Medical Weight Loss Program for many reasons. "Susan and the staff at the fitness center encourage me. I know I can go to them if I need help," he said. "I feel comfortable here and there are many friendly familiar faces."
Dave continues his strict regiment of cardio-and weight-training, but also enjoys swimming and taking advantage of the special programs and classes offered at the Center. "I also like to treat myself to a massage once in a while," he said.
Dave offers advice for others who are struggling with their weight. "Don't give up; you will never be successful if you don't keep trying," he said. "I found the program that worked for me and you will too."
Dave celebrated his 200 pounds loss with a week-long trip to Disney World. "I never imagined I would ever meet my weight goal," he said.
RSS