Weight Loss for Life Success Stories

Tori Ann and John Bernard hit major milestones on their weight loss journeys through PeaceHealth’s Weight Loss for Life Program in mid-March, John dropping 100-pounds and Tori Ann 50. Eight years ago, Tori Ann had just wrapped up an earlier weight loss when they met through Match.com.

They married eight months after they met and in the seven years that followed managed to enjoy many wonderful spontaneous meals out and more than one or two Bellagio’s pizza deliveries - not to mention their standby favorite – frozen yogurt at Menchies. They acknowledge they had not been the best of partners when it came to living a healthy lifestyle.

On a trip to Yellowstone the summer of 2022 John ended up taking his first scenic tour in the back of an ambulance followed by a several-night stay in a hospital in Rexburg, Idaho. John couldn’t catch his breath at the 7,800-foot elevation of the main lodge. The emergency clinic nurse at the park said she had never seen such a low blood-oxygen saturation in a person standing she saw that day with John.

That event and a similar experience on a business trip to Denver sparked their commitment to be better partners and this past August they joined Sarah Sterling’s phase one class and embarked on remaking their lives into a partnership for health. Tori Ann, now 63, and John, 68, are continuing the program moving to phase two where she plans to lose about five more pounds and he has a goal of 40 more pounds as they make plans for the maintenance phase.

When they started, John couldn’t walk around the block without needing to stop and rest. Now, the two of them are famous in their 2 Creeks at Camas Meadows neighborhood for heading out rain or shine, day or night, in their matching lime-green biking jackets and black rain pants, on their fat-tire ebikes (in the lowest level of assist available - which makes up for the very heavy 75-pound bikes) on the Lacamas Lake trail for their daily 9.14 mile ride (which lately they started doing double that). They ride 5-6 days a week.

During the snow they carried their bikes over fallen trees, had a few minor spills, and one day left the bikes at home and did a 3 1/2-mile hike through the snow.

Meanwhile, they both have been enjoying buying clothes with Tori Ann sporting new petite sizes and John finding the selection and prices available in smaller sizes thrilling!

“We just want to say thank you to Sarah – who is amazing, caring and informative – and to the people in our class who inspire us with their commitment, their rediscovered passion for life, and their endless encouragement.” John and Tori Ann Bernard.

John and Tori Ann after a day of hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in southern California.

Dieting since she was in her teens, Lori had a good idea what worked or didn’t work for her to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Loss for Life offered exactly what she needed to be successful long-term.

Learn more about PeaceHealth’s Weight Loss for Life program, and hear more from Lori herself!

Why did you join the program?
I went on my first diet when I was 13 or 14 years old. This was the beginning of my weight loss journey. Over my lifetime I have gained and lost innumerable pounds. I even managed to keep weight off for a short period of time, but it always came back. As I tried different programs to lose weight, I learned a lot about what worked well for me. I did better when there was structure and accountability. I also needed a program with an emphasis on maintaining my weight loss. HMR had all the elements I needed to be successful.

Before I found HMR, I had pretty much given up on losing weight. But after my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I knew I needed to do something about my weight. I was lucky that I did not have any weight related health issues, but I knew it was only a matter of time before that would change. I wanted to be as healthy as possible for myself and to be there for my husband.

How has your quality of life changed?
There have been quite few positive changes in my everyday life. I can now wear the clothes I like to wear. I don’t have to wear black all the time and I don’t have to buy something just because it fits.

What significant health benefits have you experienced?
I sleep better now. I don’t snore anymore.

How long have you been in Phase 2?
I started with HMR on June 30, 2023. I transitioned to Phase 2 in August 2023. I continued to lose weight while in Phase 2 and am now at my goal weight. I have now reached my goal of losing 72 lbs.

Do you have tips or advice for others? What is your most effective strategy?
If you follow the program and listen to your counselor, you will lose weight. This program is the best program I have ever tried, and I have tried them all! It has the structure and support I needed, and they have the emphasis on maintenance that I did not find in other weight loss programs.

A strategy that worked well for me was to use HMR shakes and sugar free yogurt as “treats”. I have a big sweet tooth and was able to use the shakes and sugar free yogurt as desserts. If you are hungry, eat. It is allowed on this program. The HMR entrees, bars, and shakes, taste good, are portable, and easy to prepare. I am very happy that I found Weight Loss for Life. The people are great to work with and I know will have all the support I need to maintain my weight loss. Another tip is don’t skip the meetings. They are so valuable. I loved hearing how others in my group navigated the program. I learned at least one new thing in each weekly meeting.

One last thing is the quality of the people running the Weight Loss for Life program at Peace Health are top notch! They are very knowledgeable about weight loss and are kind and encouraging to everyone.

Using two important personal mantras – “My life depends on this” and “Be prepared for all situations,” Kellie fully embraced the Weight Loss for Life program and is now enjoying both big and small victories as the pounds melt away.

Returning to work had an unintended consequence for Kellie. She developed poor eating habits which resulted in significant weight gain – something many people can relate to. Kellie joined Weight Loss for Life, starting with the Decision Free program in December 2021, and transitioned to the second phase of Weight Loss for Life in August 2022. The Weight Loss for Life program specializes in helping people lose a lot of weight quickly, while learning to make long-term lifestyle changes for better health and quality of life.

She had spent years trying different diet plans, as well as talking to doctors and therapists, in an attempt to break the bad habits that contributed to her weight gain. It wasn’t until Karen found Weight Loss for Life that she started to turn things around by both losing weight and maintaining it.

Why did you joint the program?
Growing up and until age 12 I was somewhat of a chubby child. Through my teens and early years, I was 5’4 and averaged 125 lbs. I ate what I wanted when I wanted. I was social and active but not a person who exercised. 

After getting married and having children, I continued to gain weight. I started buying weight loss books, Atkins, Lower Your Fat Thermostat, Dr. Phil’s weight loss book, Sugar Busters, Whole 30, intermittent fasting, and even purchased healthy food cookbooks.  I went to Weight Watchers for quite a while.

I seemed to last about 90 days and up to approximately 30 pounds. I became disappointed in myself and discouraged. I would then start eating whatever I chose. Who cares? I am just doomed to be fat! Since that is the case I will eat ice cream, muffins, bread, and hot chocolate!

I asked my doctors if there was a good diet or plan that would be best for me. I saw a therapist who was helping me with my self-esteem and why I allowed myself to become so heavy. While understanding it was helpful, I still could not get myself to stay on any weight loss program. And I felt strongly about not wanting surgery to help me lose weight. 

It was in the beginning of the summer 2022 that I decided to see a weight professional. I began researching programs and was surprised to see that my doctor’s office at PeaceHealth offered a weight loss program. One of my biggest concerns (and things that excited me) was that phase 1 included eating HMR foods only.  I was nervous for fear of feeling hungry, yet excited that I would not be planning my food for a while and hoping I could break some bad habits. I also had a negative attitude about weight loss. I wasn’t sure anything would work for me. 

How has your quality of life changed?
My HMR weight loss journey began August 11, 2022. Initially I had a hard time emotionally.  At weigh ins, I was losing small amounts of weight. 1-2 lbs., however others in the class were losing 5-6 lbs. I was comparing myself to others who were losing 5-6 pounds each week, yet I was not. I was becoming discouraged and felt that this plan was not working for me. But I did not want to give up. I wanted to break my bad habits and decided I would keep going. 

I struggled with believing topics we were learning in class.  I did not believe in “more is better”.  I was asked to add a shake to my week on a few different occasions. I did it reluctantly and was pleased that I was still losing weight. I was determined. I wanted this program to work so badly that I made it a point not to cheat even for a minute. 

I started to pay attention to the things that were working. I was losing weight…slow and steady. Suddenly, I was more active and not exhausted after 15-20 minutes. I no longer felt the need to sit down when I was folding clothes, and walking became easy for me. I started with small walks, and gradually my physical activity was increasing.  

It did not take long for me to get the 25-pound weight loss pin. I was worried yet determined not to follow my old pattern of losing 30 and gaining back 50.  

By following the guidance of my nutritionists, I moved to the “Healthy Solutions” plan, again worried I was not going to lose weight. I was wrong, I continued to lose every week. My self-esteem was on the rise, especially when I achieved 50 pounds of weight loss. I learned how important PA is for reducing stress in my everyday life, and how good it makes me feel when I exercise. 

I recently received the 75-pound pin, with a total weight loss of 83.7 pounds and about 35 more to go.  I fit in smaller clothes, feel great, and I have so much confidence. I have no more foot pain. I no longer have hiatal hernia, or chronic esophagus pain. 

Phase 2 is teaching me that I can continue to lose weight and meet my goals while customizing “in the box”.  I am eating proteins and gradually learning how to balance what I should be eating each day, making decisions of what food I am eating and being happy with myself and my decision. 

My family supports the weight loss journey I am on. I prepare my own meals and on occasion will prepare big meals for the family. I have worked hard at being mindful of my cravings and controlling them. 

I am thankful to have found this weight loss program, and HMR foods. It continues to change my life. I have no doubt that I will meet my ultimate weight loss goal and keep it off. I have my life back. 

Thank you PeaceHealth. Thank you HMR. 

Congratulations to Karen on her continued success!

A challenging hike last summer was the last straw for Rhonda before deciding to get serious about her health and weight.  She’s determined to give that hike another try before the end of this summer as she enjoys the many benefits of her successful weight loss. 

Why did you join the program?   
In the summer of 2022, I went on a hike at Silver Falls. I had been walking some so I thought, sure I can hike the entire 7 miles. Seemed like a good idea at the time but I was also carrying at least 30 extra pounds from the prior summer and my weight kept edging upward. 

Well, I finished the hike after about 5 and 1/2 hours, I nearly collapsed and had visions of having to be taken off the trail in a gurney. Adding insult to injury I could barely walk for several days afterward. I felt defeated but also realized it was time to make some changes. 

I had two friends who had joined the program who were getting results and I knew I had to take some serious steps towards weight loss and getting myself in shape physically. So, I joined in September of 2022. 
 
How has your quality of life changed?
My quality of life has greatly improved during the past 11 months. With less weight to carry around I’ve gotten down to a 17-to-18-minute mile average during my daily walks. 

Not only do I feel physically lighter, but I’ve also learned how to better manage the emotional heaviness of being overweight and out of shape along with a stressful job. 

Overall, I feel a deeper sense of confidence and accomplishment. 

What significant health benefits have you experienced?
I don’t have some of the health challenges of diabetes or high blood pressure, but I could see myself heading this way if I had continued to gain weight. 

I have an autoimmune disease where I have been encouraged to increase my mobility, so daily physical activity (PA) has become an asset to me in this area. Honestly, it can be the best part of my day. 

How would you describe your transition to Phase 2 of Weight Loss for Life? 
I began Phase 2 in mid-July. The change has reminded me that transitions can be a challenge for me. I still want to lose more weight since I’m not where I want to be. My goal is to take everything I learned in Phase1 and continue to apply it in Phase 2 to meet my weight loss goal.  

For me, PA has been integral to my success and is a daily recommitment to the program. Planning ahead, keeping good records, and attending class for accountability, the support of my coach, and fellow classmates have all been important strategies for my success. Don’t give up!

Before summer ends, I’m going to do the hike at Silver Falls again. I will let you know how it goes. 

Congratulations to Rhonda on her continued success. To date she has lost 69 pounds!

He’s feeling 81-years young since finding a weight loss program that helped him lose those pesky pounds for good. Hear Matt’s words of wisdom about Weight Loss for Life and his life-changing journey.

Why did you join the program?

I was tired of being overweight!  I’ve been heavy ever since high school, and I’m now 81 years old. I am very fortunate to have good genes, so that to this point I’ve been extremely lucky to avoid most cardiac and stroke issues; but my cardiologists and PCPs in different locations have always recommended that I lose weight.  One even suggested he wished I had worse “numbers” so I would be frightened enough to lose weight!  One downside of excess weight over time is degenerative spinal disc disease, as well as knee and foot joint issues.  The excess weight exacerbates my arthritis pain in many joints.  It has made it more difficult to move around and get out of chairs. All of these have made me want to lose weight.

The HMR program at PeaceHealth is named “Weight Loss for Life” (WLFL).  That sounded wonderful to me, since I’ve lost weight in almost every program there is, including losing 110 pounds without exercise years ago.  But in every case, I regained almost all (or more) of it back. I even had Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery in 2004 and lost almost 70 pounds but regained even more back over time. In every previous program, I’ve been hungry, and it’s been a struggle.  I had heard that part of the philosophy of the WLFL program is that you are not “allowed” to get hungry!  Amazing!  I’ve lost almost 50 pounds and never been hungry since being in the program for about 6 months.  The idea of losing weight without hunger was extremely appealing to me and most people, and I’ve not been disappointed and more than pleased with this program in every way!

Lastly, I heard that the support, medical staff and Dietitians were first rate at the WLFL program.  Moreover, most people felt the HMR food was filling and tasty.  All of this proved to be true.

How has your quality of life changed?

I feel and look better, which is very satisfying.  I now wear a size smaller shirts and pants, which are more available in a greater variety of colors and styles.  In addition, I enjoy giving my old clothes to Goodwill.  Being lighter allows me to be more agile and do more things with my wife; she very much enjoys Bungee Fitness in Vancouver, and I hope to join her soon.  I’m thrilled that I am now under the weight limit for that, as well as some other weight-restricted activities.

What significant health benefits have you experienced?

My blood pressure has dropped to “normal” levels for the first time in 4 decades.  My A1c levels have been wonderfully low.  I am diabetic but controlling it by diet alone.

As the USDA and FDA recommend, I am eating more fruits and vegetables than ever before.  I couldn’t imagine losing weight in Phase 1 switching from “Decision Free” (only HMR entrees, shakes and bars) to “Healthy Solutions” (HMR foods and gradually adding 5 cups of vegetables and fruits/day).  Believe it or not, I lost even more weight after the switch, as Ali suggested I might!

I KNOW I need more exercise, but I’ve never enjoyed it. Being overweight, it is difficult to move around.  I’ve always HATED exercise for the sake of exercise!  The WLFL program asks us to exercise, since it will help with weight loss now and even more in Phase 2 and the rest of my life.  I now feel more like exercising knowing the benefits of it, and I look forward to doing more of it.

How long have you been in Phase 2?

I am not in Phase 2 yet but given my history of regaining weight after various programs, I am VERY MUCH looking forward to a long (optional 12- to 18-month) Phase 2.  I know that I need it, and it will be beneficial.

Do you have advice for others? What is your most effective strategy?

Know that the WLFL program with the HMR foods WILL work for you!  It works for everyone who follows the guidelines.

Go to the classes!  In other programs, I have hated going to weekly classes, since they were simply boring and not very informative.  With the WLFL program, the weekly meetings are SO beneficial!  Both the nutritionist (Ali) and the discussions she leads are most instructive.  She is incredibly helpful, as are all the medically trained folks there.  All my classmates feel like I do, that we look forward to our weekly classes.  My classmates have such good suggestions, as does Ali.  For example, I NEVER would have thought of sugar-free syrup of different flavors and found that Torani has 30 different flavors and DaVinci has many; both are available at stores in Vancouver or through Amazon.  A classmate said he had many flavors, and now I also have 6-8, and my small corner of our kitchen looks like I’m a barista!

The HMR food is wonderful.  There are many meal entrees of many different cuisines, such as Mexican, Italian and American.  They are precooked and take only one minute in a microwave oven to heat for eating. I have a sweet tooth and LOVE all forms of chocolate!  I thought I’d have to give up sweets with the program, but no!  The chocolate shake mix is terrific as a shake, or when one uses less water, it provides for a delicious chocolate pudding…or put a tumbler of the pudding in the freezer for 5-10 minutes and you have a great desert, almost fudge!  Not to mention the Double Chocolate protein bar, which is to die for!