Weight loss is a journey, and these stories highlight the determination, support, and personalized approaches that can lead to significant transformations. From overcoming health challenges to regaining confidence and energy, these individuals have found success through various programs and lifestyle changes.
Paul Hoppa: Regaining Balance and Health
Paul Hoppa, a 39-year-old "Christmas nut" from Cincinnati, Ohio, experienced a wake-up call when his weight reached 240 pounds in 2022. This was the highest his weight had ever been. Facing concerns about his ability to safely hang Christmas lights on his roof, Paul realized the impact of his weight on his health and well-being. His weight had exceeded his ladder’s weight limit by some 40 pounds. With extra pounds around his midsection, he had begun experiencing back pain and equilibrium issues. He was also developing prediabetes, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, and his snoring forced him to sleep separately from his wife, Christina Durchholz, a physician. Christina noticed his health declining as his weight increased, prompting her concern.
The Journey Begins
Paul's weight had fluctuated throughout his life. He recalls being the skinny kid growing up. College introduced unhealthy habits, leading to a weight increase to 210 pounds. He managed to drop down to 155 pounds after school by working on his eating habits and seeing a personal trainer. However, a return to fast food and a sedentary lifestyle caused the weight to creep back on.
Finding Found
Following a stressful period and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul's weight peaked. He needed to make a change for himself and his family after his second son was born. Christina, with her specialized training in obesity medicine, sought a program that offered both medication-assisted therapy and lifestyle support. Found's program, which combines personalized prescription medicine with supportive lifestyle tools and coaching, aligned with Paul's ambitions.
The First 90 Days on Wegovy
A Found-affiliated obesity medicine specialist created a tailored plan for Paul, which included the FDA-approved weight loss medication Wegovy®, starting with a low dose. While he experienced initial nausea, it subsided within a month. The medication reduced his appetite, leading to a steady weight loss of about five pounds per month. He charted his journey during Weigh-In Wednesdays, saying, “You gotta do it.” As cravings re-emerged, his provider slowly increased the dose. Paul notes burping as the most noticeable side effect.
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It's important to note that Wegovy carries potential risks, including the rare occurrence of thyroid c-cell tumors in animal studies. The medication's "black box" warning highlights this risk, advising individuals to contact their healthcare provider if they experience trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or swelling in the neck. Wegovy is not suitable for individuals with a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Find detailed side effect and risk information on our Wegovy medication page.
A Transformed Life
After a year on Found's program and Wegovy, Paul has lost 70 pounds. His back pain, balance issues, and snoring have disappeared. He can now sleep in the same room as his wife and move with greater ease. Holiday decorating was also a breeze. His health journey has positively impacted his family life, allowing him to play more actively with his children. Christina notes, “It's been impressive to see how effective the program has been for him. It's been an amazing transformation.”
Andrea Mullinax: Regaining Energy and Confidence
Andrea Mullinax, a 35-year-old mother of two, struggled with joint pain and exhaustion that limited her ability to keep up with her active daughters. Walking eight or nine miles at work each day left her feeling lethargic and unable to enjoy activities with her family.
Seeking a Solution
Andrea tried various weight loss methods, including workouts, a dietitian, and phentermine, but sought a different approach. In February 2023, she turned to MU Health Care's Weight Management and Metabolic Center for assistance.
GLP-1 Injections: A Game-Changer
After an oral medication proved unsuitable, Andrea and her provider, Victoria Newcom, FNP, explored injectable glucagon-like peptide 1 antagonist (GLP-1) medications. These medications, initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin production.
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For Andrea, GLP-1 injections became a turning point in her weight loss journey and her pursuit of a healthier life. She was on the verge of developing health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes, which run in her family.
The weekly injections mimic the hormone released after eating, regulating appetite by slowing digestion, promoting fullness, and reducing calorie intake. They can also reduce food cravings.
Victoria Newcom emphasized the importance of discussing treatment options, goals, medical history, and past medication use with her patients. Andrea had already tried one weight loss medication, and they found that her insurance covered semaglutide, a more effective option. The decision was made collaboratively.
Lifestyle Changes and Positive Results
In addition to the injections, Andrea started exercising, favoring the elliptical machine to minimize stress on her joints. She also diversified her diet by incorporating more produce and practicing portion control. She also branched out with her food choices by adding more produce and eating smaller portions. Andrea found that she loved hummus. Andrea rarely experienced side effects from the medications, although she was prescribed an anti-nausea medication. She noticed a significant reduction in her preoccupation with food.
It's important to note that not thinking about food can lead to side effects like nausea and dizziness due to insufficient food or water intake. Victoria Newcom advises her patients to track their consumption.
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Andrea has lost a meaningful amount of weight, allowing her to share clothes with her teenage daughter. Her confidence has also increased. Her youngest daughter noticed the change in her size, and Andrea now feels more confident when she looks in the mirror.
Andrea plans to continue semaglutide long-term to reach her goal of 160 pounds and maintain her weight loss. She recognizes that it will be a lifelong medication. She feels more energetic and able to keep up with her kids. Her recent blood work results are perfect for her age.
Heather Swenson: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength
Heather Swenson, a 40-year-old from Massachusetts, had overcome numerous challenges in her life, including unemployment, homelessness, and a difficult family situation. However, her weight, nearing 300 pounds, seemed insurmountable.
A Pivotal Moment
Heather realized she needed to confront her weight issue and decided to take control. She knew she had to be at her best for her family. Heather recalls baking an apple pie, compulsively taking forkfuls on her way to the bathroom in the middle of the night and into the next morning. By the next afternoon, the only evidence of the pie was an empty pan, a full stomach, and shame.
Facing Challenges
A family vacation to Florida highlighted her discomfort with her appearance, leading her to avoid photos. Her jobs as a certified nursing assistant and waitress became physically demanding, leaving her exhausted and with aching knees. She struggled to stand up and climb stairs.
Heather's attempts at weight loss through gym visits, diet pills, juice cleanses, and keto gummies proved ineffective. Her weight affected her self-esteem and social interactions.
Discovering Found
A conversation with her sister led Heather to Found, a program that had helped both her sister and a friend lose weight. Heather committed to Found on January 1, 2024, and fully embraced the program.
A Personalized Approach
Heather credits the program's learning, coaching, and habit changes, such as replacing soda with water, for her weight loss. She also uses zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug prescribed off-label for weight loss, to reduce her appetite and cravings. (Note: Zonisamide isn’t advised for people with certain conditions or risk factors. People who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take zonisamide. Find detailed side effect and risk information on our zonisamide medication page.)
Heather has lost 63 pounds and is progressing toward her goal weight of 175 pounds. She can now run up the stairs and exercise with ease. Her lighter body has also lightened her mind.
Edwin Oquendo: Staying Active for Family
Edwin Oquendo struggled to keep up with his grandchildren due to his weight. He found Federico Serrot, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and joined Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute.
A Team Approach
Edwin credits Dr. Serrot and the bariatric team for providing him with the tools to change his life. The team educates and supports patients, guiding them toward a healthier future. Edwin now eats smaller portions, incorporating more vegetables into his diet.
Putting Himself First
Edwin realized he needed the support of the team, as well as family and friends. He learned to prioritize his health, participate in the program, and follow the guidelines. Edwin is now healthier, free from pain, exhaustion, and breathlessness.
Elisha Sessoms: Regaining Control After Surgery
Elisha Sessoms had gastric bypass surgery in 2012 and lost 133 pounds. However, she regained some weight and sought another solution.
The Missing Piece
In March 2022, Elisha joined Found to regain control of her weight loss journey. She lost 30 pounds in eight months. She found the program's convenience and ease helpful in creating sustainable goals. The medication prescribed by her care provider helped her control her appetite.
The Role of Medication
Elisha used a combination of metformin, naltrexone, and bupropion. Metformin helps control her insulin response and hunger, while naltrexone and bupropion treat cravings and compulsive eating. This combination allowed her to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Non-Scale Victories
Elisha appreciates her non-scale victories, such as her clothes fitting more comfortably and feeling better overall. She focuses on her "why," staying committed to her goals. She advises others to trust the process, stay focused, and practice patience.
Colleen Tate: A Remarkable Transformation
Colleen Tate, once weighing 435 pounds, had lost 75 pounds when she first shared her story. Today, she has lost a total of 250 pounds.
Hitting Rock Bottom
After the loss of her parents, Colleen turned to emotional eating. At 43 years old, she was in rough shape, with her entire body hurting. Photographs served as an eye-opener, prompting her to take action.
Gaining Momentum
Colleen's initial 75-pound loss motivated her to join a local gym. As she lost more weight, she gained strength and confidence. Exercise became a necessity rather than a chore.
A Holistic Approach
Colleen lost an additional 175 pounds through mindful eating and exercise. While Mounjaro®, a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, helped curb her appetite, the support and coaching from Found were also significant. Once she reached a comfortable weight, she discontinued the medication with guidance from her Found provider.
It's important to be aware that taking Mounjaro carries some risks. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you should not take Mounjaro. Do not take Mounjaro if you have ever had thyroid cancer. Mounjaro can cause fetal harm. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Mounjaro. Find detailed side effect and risk information on our Mounjaro medication page. Prescriptions are at a medical provider’s discretion.
Colleen no longer needs medication for high blood pressure. She has learned to eat a healthy variety of foods while focusing on portion size. She is comfortable in her own skin and has achieved what she once thought was impossible.
Key Components of Successful Weight Loss Programs
These success stories highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight loss, encompassing:
- Personalized nutrition: Tailored recommendations from health coaches, emphasizing portion control and calorie deficits.
- Movement: Personalized exercise guidance from experts.
- Prescription medication: FDA-approved medications prescribed when appropriate, including oral and injectable options like GLP-1s.
- Medical guidance and consultation: Ongoing access to a medical provider for support and treatment guidance.
- Personal health coaching: Support from a personal health coach to help with lifestyle changes.
Found: A Medically-Supported Weight Care Clinic
Found is a telehealth weight care clinic that provides personalized programs focused on sustainable weight loss. It considers factors like genetics, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and sleep. The program includes board-certified physicians in weight management, nutrition, and health coaches.