HNT RSP Weight Loss Success Story: Kevin

Kevin is a participant of the HNT RSP (Remote Support Program) and has agreed to let us share his amazing weight loss success story with all of you! Read below as he shares many details. 

 

 

My name is Kevin.  Through most of my life I’ve been heavy.  There have been stretches where I have lost weight & kept it off for short periods of time, but eventually the weight comes back and increases.

Everything came to a head about a year and a half ago.  Though I was very heavy, I was always able to manage through everyday activities.  Things started changing towards the end of 2010.  Tasks were becoming more difficult, stamina was decreasing.  After walking about ¼ mile my back would start seizing up and I would be winded.  I needed a rest.  I couldn’t even stand still for more than a few minutes before I needed to lean against something or sit down to ease the strain on my back and legs.

From the end of 2010 through mid 2011 I had unknowingly, because I rarely checked my weight, gained over 50 lbs.  Years ago, I had purchased a scale which measured up to 440 lbs. as a standard home scale reading up to 330 lbs. was showing ‘ERR’ (Error).  With physical issues mounting and the thought that I may have to start buying shirts larger than 5XL, I pulled the scale out to weigh myself.  I assumed my weight would be in the 400-420 range, where it had been mainly in recent years.  This time the scale greeted me with ‘OL” (Overload).  Now being that this was already a heavy duty scale, this was a bit demoralizing.  I was forced to weigh myself on the loading dock scale at work, making sure no one was around.  The scale read 468 lbs.

With other events occurring in my life, adding stress to the already decreasing health, I went to my doctor for a physical to get the full scope of how bad I had become.  The prognosis was increasing blood pressure, among other readings, and most likely I would be diabetic before years’ end.  Though many friends & family over the years had begged me to lose weight, I finally realized that something had to be done.  My doctor had previously worked with Health and Nutrition Technology (HNT) in the past and he got me in touch with them to enter the program.  The decision has changed my life.

Due to the timing of when I joined HNT, I entered the Remote Support Program (RSP).  HNT utilizes Health One Meal Replacements in conjunction with weekly group and one-on-one discussions about nutrition, fitness & behavior modification.

Through the program, with the help of the HNT staff, I was able to help identify bad habits I was employing, plus better ways to handle stress & refocus energy to other activities other than eating. 

I learned the importance of being active, understanding I didn’t have to be tremendous in the beginning.  In fact due to my size & health condition, in the beginning most activities were measured in 5 – 10 minute intervals, but keeping with it, the time & intensity quickly increased.  I found enjoyment in activity.  Found it was much better to think things through during a walk, rather than sitting on the couch eating & feeling worse afterwards.  I felt increased confidence & empowerment as I set goals & achieved them.

The Health One Meal Replacements were extremely helpful with my weight loss largely through their versatility as a product.  Not only can they be made into shakes or soups, but they can also be cooked or baked into others forms to add texture.  Plus the variety of flavors led to many different meal choices. 

The meal replacement formula also provides well balanced nutrition, so I felt satisfied after eating them and any cravings were minimized. 

Now about 15 months after entering the program I’m down over 250 lbs. and have a much better outlook on life.  Blood pressure and all other measures are back in the normal ranges.  I’m probably in better shape today in my mid-40’s than I was in high school or college.

I don’t dread being active; I’ll walk to the store instead of driving to it even though it was only a ¼ mile away.  I wake up in the morning energized, ready to take on the day.

I understand my journey is not over, but has only begun.  I look forward to meeting new challenges and to see where they will take me.

 

Kevin: BEFORE HNT (468 lbs)

Kevin NOW: Down 250 lbs!!

Kevin NOW: with his OLD pants!