Chad Parker began packing on unwanted pounds during a six-month work furlough at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Eventually I weighed almost 400 pounds,” says the 49-year-old quality engineer. He tried losing weight on his own, but only lost about 10 pounds.
Chad turned to his wife, Jamie, who had achieved significant weight loss through bariatric surgery, for advice. She researched local options and discovered the Ascension Via Christi non-surgical weight management program, which offers individualized education from a certified instructor, personalized meal and physical activity plans, and regular support groups. He signed up and got started.
“It gave me the motivation to do what I knew I needed to do,” says Chad, who enjoys walking as part of his regular physical activity. “I was held accountable because I had to go in every week to weigh in.” Additionally, he received support from the other group members as he shared his struggles and they shared how they overcame theirs.
In just one year, Chad lost 170 pounds and is on pace to reach his goal weight of 190 pounds by next year. However, the scale is not his only measure of success.
“I was on at least five blood pressure medications and I’ve since been able to reduce those,” says Chad, adding, “My blood pressure leveled out almost instantly when I got serious about this as did my resting heart rate.”
The weight loss has also paid off in his interactions with others. “I have seen a lot of difference in the way people treat me, too, because I notice there’s more confidence in me from others and myself,” he says.
Since the HMR Program focuses on meal planning, healthy choices and tracking foods eaten, Chad enjoys the minimal hour of prep time on weekends to set him up for a successful week. Cutting vegetables for snacks, prepping salads and packing lunches helps him avoid temptations and keep track of everything he eats.
“Instead of grabbing pizza or a burger, my plans now include hearty salads for lunch,” he says, adding that planning ahead has helped him fight temptations at social events. “Food is what I can control the most to help me feel good.”
Chad says the program has proved its worth tenfold. “I plan to stay to help others while I get closer to my goal,” he says. “If I were to quit doing everything they taught me, I’d slide backwards.”
Chad has this advice for anyone considering a weight loss program: “You have to find a reason within yourself to make the change. It is a commitment, but it's worth it.”