Weight loss is a journey, and for many, it's a challenging one filled with ups and downs. These Judy weight loss success stories demonstrate that with the right approach, lasting change is possible. These are stories of resilience, determination, and ultimately, triumph.
Judy Patterson: Breaking Free from Food Addiction
Judy Patterson, at 70 years old, faced a critical juncture in her life. Hospitalized twice due to pancreas issues, she was deeply concerned about her health trajectory. A lifelong struggle with weight had led her down numerous paths, including weight loss products, fasting, and restrictive diets. "Nothing worked. I would lose and gain it back - plus more," she lamented. Her motivation to get healthy stemmed from wanting to actively participate in the life of her 4-year-old grandson.
Judy found her answer at the Medical Weight Loss Clinic in White Lake. To ensure commitment, she prepaid for the program. Reinforcement came unexpectedly from "The Dr. Oz Show," where a segment on food addiction resonated deeply with her. "It proved I had a food addiction. The solution Dr. Oz gave for weight loss was exactly what I was following with the Medical Weight Loss Clinic! It confirmed I was doing the right thing. Medical Weight Loss was going to work and be healthy for me."
Guided by the clinic's staff, Judy shed four dress sizes and 30.5 inches. Her health improved dramatically, eliminating the need for medication, much to her doctor's delight. "I joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic and learned to change my eating habits," she explained. "I move easily without pain. I taught my grandson to ride a two-wheel bike and now I ride with him. My days are very busy and I accomplish everything with ambition and energy."
Judy's advice to others embarking on a weight loss journey emphasizes practical strategies: adhering to a grocery list to avoid temptation, removing starches, sugar, and snacks from the house, waiting 10 minutes when cravings strike and choosing a healthy alternative if the craving persists, and implementing a 12-hour nightly eating window.
Read also: Judy Garland's Diet and Its Consequences
Judy: Finding Value and a Plan for Success
Judy's journey began at her highest weight of 358 pounds, a consequence of low self-esteem, abuse, and physical challenges. "I merely existed," she recalled. Her transformation involved two gastric sleeve surgeries. The first resulted in a 70-pound loss, followed by a 35-pound regain. Prior to her initial surgery, she weighed 321 pounds, having explored various programs and even diet pills. She attempted keto for two years right before the sleeve-to-sleeve revision surgery. "The first sleeve surgery wasn’t successful for me. I quit losing weight after five months; then I started regaining the weight no matter how much I tried to keep it off."
Years later, inspired by her daughter's experience at the Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss Surgery, she sought a revision. This decision proved pivotal. "This doctor’s practice was the success I needed." Her total weight loss reached 205 pounds and 76 inches, transforming her clothing size from 3x to small/petite small. Maintaining the loss for a year, she noted, "It is so much easier dieting for two weeks to maintain than dieting for a year to get here."
Judy acknowledged the emotional connection to food, stating, "Food is absolutely a comfort, probably to most people. Not being able to indulge like I always could before was like losing a dear friend." She also experienced a unique condition of being "the opposite of a diabetic," where her blood glucose levels would drop while consuming sugars.
Her transformation brought disbelief and joy. "I never thought I could look like this. Every day, I look in the mirror and can’t believe I’m seeing a skinny me. I love this new me." She embraced an active lifestyle and reduced her sleep needs. "I stay active and don’t need to sleep as much as before. I can walk past things, and my hips and belly no longer knock into them or push things off shelves."
Judy's advice centers on self-worth and personalized approaches: "Know first that you are valuable. Find the thing that works best for you, and don’t let others deter your decision; they aren’t living in your body. Analyze where you are now and why, and where you want to be, and form a plan to get there."
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Judy: Fighting for Care and Regaining Life
Judy's journey involved a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, resulting in a 63-pound weight loss. Contemplating the surgery for a decade, she faced resistance from her primary doctor when seeking a referral to UCLA for bariatric surgery. "I am so glad I fought for this and came to UCLA for my care, and I wish I had been able to do this earlier."
Within five months, Judy went from a size 26 to 14. She successfully discontinued her hypertension and diabetes medication. "I look forward to exercising and going to the gym every day! Some people don’t even believe that this is the new, healthier me. I feel great about the food choices I make and regained my life and self-confidence!" Her pursuit of surgery at UCLA with Dr. proved life-changing.
Judy Garafalo: A Journey of Small Steps and Big Gains
In early 2024, Judy Garafalo felt a sense of desperation, having struggled with yo-yo dieting her entire life. "My weight has yo-yoed my whole life," she says. "Some people can eat in moderation. I can’t." Referred to Manisha Chand, MD, at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Judy's life underwent a significant transformation.
Dr. Chand focused on understanding Judy's eating habits and dietary patterns, tailoring daily meal plans to optimize her energy levels. "After I review my patients’ current eating habits and dietary patterns, we discuss what their daily meals should include," says Dr. Chand. "I want to be sure they are getting optimal fuel for taking on their activities." Initially, Judy increased her protein and vegetable intake.
Dr. Chand introduced "habit stacking," a technique that involves linking new habits to existing routines. "Habit stacking allowed Judy to maintain her discipline as she began to make better choices and choose healthier alternatives," says Dr. Chand. Judy appreciated Dr. Chand's non-restrictive approach, which accommodated her social life and preferences, including her love of Italian food, baking, and cooking.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Dr. Chand prioritized Judy's perspective in setting goals. "This approach provides me with a sense of where Judy sees herself in her journey and what she feels she is ready to do next," Dr. Chand says. "I believe my patients know themselves best, what they can or cannot commit to." Judy learned to view setbacks as a normal part of the process.
Within a year, Judy experienced significant improvements in her quality of life, back pain, and lipedema. "Judy’s main goal was to improve her quality of life, back pain and lipedema," says Dr. Chand. "She now reports having more energy and improved function, balance, and sleep patterns." Judy expressed her surprise at her own success, stating, "I surprised myself. I didn’t think I could do it. Dr. Chand was very motivating and easy to talk to."
Judy: From Walking Stick to 12,000 Steps
Judy's experience with SuperFastDiet highlights the transformative power of commitment and a healthier lifestyle. Initially joining on a 4-week trial, she had no idea how profoundly her life would change. Twelve months later, she had achieved milestones she once thought impossible.
Judy's journey is about more than just the 32.4 kg she lost; it's about a complete transformation of her mindset, health, and life. "After struggling for 40 years to lose weight, I’ve completely transformed my life and body in such a short time. The difference in my body, mind, spirit, and health is truly remarkable." She transitioned from relying on a walking stick to walking 12,000 steps a day and working out at the gym.
"The biggest change for me has been realising that my health, fitness, and ability to move are far more important than just focusing on the number on the scale," Judy shared. "Weight loss happens naturally when you follow the program, but the true transformation comes from how you view life and your commitment to living your best possible life." She now feels happier, more confident, and healthier than ever.
Judy's advice to those starting out is simple: "Follow the program: plan your meals, track your progress, stick to your method, stay hydrated, and engage with the weekly content and videos. The magic will happen!"
Judy: Redefining Emotional Relationship with Food
Judy's weight loss journey involved exploring various programs and diets, including veganism, Master Cleanse, and Overeaters Anonymous, and even enlisting the help of a registered dietitian. While some provided short-term results, she often regained the weight.
She discovered Calibrate on Instagram and was drawn to its evidence-based approach, which addressed metabolic health and set point. "At that point, I felt that my natural set point was higher than I wanted it to be, and I was excited about using a medically-based approach to change it." Despite reservations about sticking with the program, she realized she was "fed up with feeling like trash" and ready for a sustainable change.
Calibrate eased her into the program, encouraging her to set aside preconceived notions and adopt a beginner's mindset. She found the color-coded food system particularly helpful, learning to prioritize nutrient density over strict calorie counting. "Before Calibrate, I used to stress about vacations that would end in me feeling out of control with food. But I just returned from a trip to West Africa and Turkey, where I was able to stick to the program and continued to lose weight without being obsessive about calories or macros-proving to me that this approach really does work in the real world."
After nearly ten months on the program, Judy lost about 18% of her body weight or 40 pounds and gained a greater sense of ownership of her emotions. "With previous programs and diets-including those that provided short-term weight loss-I always felt like there was an important piece of the puzzle that remained unturned. Now, I know that the final piece was my emotional health. Calibrate has helped me gain a greater sense of ownership of my emotions and helped me to discover new ways to regulate my mood that don’t involve food."
She recommends Calibrate to anyone seeking to take ownership of their health, emphasizing that it requires dedication but offers immeasurable results.
Judy: The Power of Nutrition Education and Personal Support
Judy's journey with Nutritional Weight & Wellness began 13 years ago when she took the Jumpstart Your Metabolism class. She sought Darlene Kvist's personal guidance, wanting to feel better amidst the demands of running her pet boarding company. "I was always tired and constantly had brain fog. I struggled with sinus infections and had been on a lot of antibiotics to get better. On top of that, I was about 20 pounds overweight and wanted to lose the weight and keep it off."
Having tried quick-fix diets with prepackaged foods in the past, she was drawn to Darlene's approach of eating real, unprocessed food. "At my first appointment with Darlene, she said she was going to teach me to eat like people used to eat. This meant no processed food and instead, eating real food which sounded good to me!" Within two months, she felt like a new person, experiencing increased energy and mental clarity.
Now almost 71, Judy continues to maintain high energy levels, impressing her friends and doctor. Her triglyceride results are remarkably low for her age, and she has maintained a 20-pound weight loss, weighing the same as she did in eighth grade. "I’m so happy to no longer be a yo-yo dieter, losing and regaining the weight over and over and worrying about the foods I should eat to stay slim."
Judy credits Darlene with teaching her how to cook, read labels, and prioritize her health. "What I learned from her, and continue to learn, is phenomenal. I don’t believe my life would have been nearly as fulfilling as it has been had I not met with her."