Angela’s Weight Loss Journey: 'The day I chose me'

Angela Foster feels like a completely new person. The single mother of two joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic last summer with a goal to reach 150 pounds. And when she achieved that goal – dropping more than 46 pounds – she seemed surprised at just how much her life had changed for the better.

Angela Foster dropped more than 46 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“Physically and emotionally, I feel renewed and restored,” she says. “I am not as fatigued. Workouts are more intense. Everything I eat is done mindfully. I now look forward to shopping for clothes. I am so glad I chose myself.”

That’s something we hear often from our successful patients. Not only does their health improve, but they learn how to prioritize their own needs.

“In June 2022, I got on the scale and saw 195.8 pounds,” she says. “That was the day I chose me. I have never weighed 200 pounds in my life. Not even pregnant. And this is how my Medical Weight Loss Clinic journey began.”

Angela Foster lost weight with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

The program worked for Angela because she came in with a clear goal and an open mind, she says. “You have to be willing to do the work,” she admits. “It will force you to challenge yourself, learn new things about yourself and motivate you to be a better person.”

Three things that worked best for Angela on her Freedom program include:

1.     Have a plan. Shop strategically and meal prep, she says.

2.     Journal daily. It’s a journey and success comes with reflection.

3.     “If you fall off the horse, get back on,” she says. Some days will be harder than others.  

She also attributes some of her success to the support she found at Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Warren location.

Angela Foster stuck with the program and reached her goal.

“I would like to acknowledge the health coaches, Tina and Tyler,” she adds. “I have always felt like they were my biggest cheerleaders. I am so grateful for all of their encouragement along the way. That was so important to me.”

Tyler Stachnik, Medical Weight Loss Clinic manager in Warren, says: “I am so proud of Angela and everything she has accomplished! She has shown what prioritizing your health and following the program can do for you. She has been outstanding in following the program and making sure she is doing everything she can do because this meant so much to her. Angela's results speak for themselves, she has shown what putting yourself first can do.”

If you’re ready to make your own health a priority in 2023, sign up for a free consultation with Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Learn more atmwlc.com and find a location near you.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients are taking Control of their health

Just ask Larry Lantzy and he will tell you he’s tried every single diet and diet supplement out there over the years.  

He’s worked with local health systems. He did Keto. He even tried South Beach diet. Sure, he’d lose weight, but it always came back. That is, until he visited Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Shelby Township location. Larry is seeing lasting results.

Joan and her father Larry are both Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients who’ve found that a personalized program and supplements like Control helps them live healthier.

“I always lost weight and gained it right back,” he admits. “This is the only place I’ve ever been that’s really worked. The counselors there are great! It’s very hard to lose weight. I need the accountability. I go to weigh in and I don’t get off-base.”

Larry started with Medical Weight Loss Clinic in October 2021 after his daughter, Joan McGee, began the program and told him how much she enjoyed  it. Larry set a goal to lose 50 pounds and is almost there, having lost about 40 pounds.

To help aid his weight loss journey, Larry recently started taking a new over-the-counter, natural appetite suppressant from Medical Weight Loss Clinic, called Control. It’s meant to help patients like him along the way while he works to stabilize his weight. It blocks enzymes responsible for fat storage, contains vitamins to boost metabolism and energy levels while adding fiber so patients feel full and satiated.

“You do have to take it in conjunction with the program,” Larry says. “If you’re just taking it, it won’t work. It goes hand-in-hand with the program. I used to be a binge eater. This stuff works. You don’t feel hungry. You just feel normal.”

Joan McGee, Larry’s daughter, has also been a Medical Weight Loss Program patient. She lost 14 pounds on the program and is working to stabilize her weight. Joan says she’s not checking the refrigerator or cabinet for snacks like she used to do.

“Control took the edge off my hunger,” she says. “It helps you stay on plan. It’s a great product.”

Both Joan and her father, Larry, are quick to recommend Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s customized programs to those looking for support on a healthy program. And they both found Control has been helpful in the process, too. 

Wondering if it will work for you? There’s only one way to know for sure. Reach out to Medical Weight Loss Clinic for more information. Sign up for a free consultation today at mwlc.com.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros treat all patients like they are family

Whenever a new patient walks through our doors at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, the staff is warm, welcoming and ready be supportive. But when the patient also happens to be an actual  relative of a staff member, well that’s another great reason to celebrate successes.

The Medical Weight Loss Clinic team is here to support your goals – just like you’re a member of the family. And sometimes, our patients are actually family members, too.

“It’s always rewarding to hear good feedback from patients, even better when it’s your family member,” says Krysta Sauvie, regional manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

She has had a few family members join the program over the years. Currently her step mother Pat has joined and visits the Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Saginaw. She’s already lost 24 pounds toward her goal of about 50 pounds.

“Pat found out about the program from me,” Krysta says. “We talked about it on a couple of different occasions prior to her joining. I also had an aunt who did the program a few years ago who did very well. She lost 80 pounds. That was a nice motivator for Pat too!”

Pat lives in Saginaw Township and works a swing shift so her hours change each week and she’s often working 5 nights in a row. She’ll come home at midnight and gets just a few hours of sleep. But she said the program works for her.

“It’s easy to do – except for the prep,” she says. “I would recommend it to people.”

Pat had to get used to preparing foods to make sure she had healthy options to eat each day. On Mondays or Tuesdays she cooks the meat she needs to make meals for the week. And she now drinks her coffee black rather than adding vanilla creamer. Since she’s been eating so healthy she notices she has more energy and if she strays from the program – she can tell she doesn’t feel as good.

“I can really feel the difference,” Pat says. “I think I can stick to this.”

She’s got the support of the staff on her side – and if she has a question on the weekends she asks Krysta.

“I love that she is feeling better and has more energy,” says Krysta. “I think many of us are aware of family members who are struggling to lose weight for a number of reasons and I’m proud that she has taken this step and it’s paying off for her!”

Krysta says she understands it can sometimes be difficult for a friend or family member of a Medical Weight Loss Clinic employee to join in on the program. But there’s no judgement to be found.

“I’d urge anyone who has family members or friends that might be interested in the program to keep discussing the topic,” Krysta says. “Make them feel comfortable about the process and be patient.”

Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Medical Weight Loss Clinic is here to help. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Picturing Success: Chesterfield man drops 96 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Like so many of our patients, Dustin Soper learned about Medical Weight Loss Clinic programs through a television ad. He dug a little further and visited our website, considering the program as a healthy weight loss solution. He finally started his healthy journey in 2021 as a patient in our Chesterfield clinic. At the time, his mother had fallen ill and he wanted to show her he was working toward being healthier himself.

Dustin Soper has the support of his wife as he follows a healthier path.

Unfortunately Dustin lost his mother last year. And while the challenge of losing someone so close can cause so many of us to lose sight of our own health goals, Dustin did not.

He credits the unwavering support of his wife and the clinic staff in Chesterfield – including Patti, Lori and Rene – with helping him stay focused and eating healthy.

“I had help if I was struggling,” he said. “They are very positive people.”

And that kind of positivity is important when you’re working to lead a healthier life.

For Dustin, health struggles began at birth. He was born with Hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of fluid deep within the skull. Because of this, he endured 19 brain surgeries by the age of 12.

Dustin Soper has slimmed down with help from Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

His final surgery was completed in 1982 but the road ahead was difficult. The next day, he suffered the first of two Grand mal seizures. The second came seven years later.

Still, Dustin worked his way through these challenges. Just over 4 years ago, he was able to stop taking his seizure medication safely. And today, after following his personalized Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, Dustin’s weight is in a healthy range, too.

The Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff helped keep Dustin on track with his program, eating the foods that would help lose 96 pounds over 52 weeks.

If there were certain foods he craved or missed eating while on his program, the staff helped him find alternatives. When he wanted barbecue sauce, they suggested he try Sweet Baby Ray’s No-Sugar variety – and he said he “actually likes it a lot.”

Dustin’s healthy diet includes some things he enjoys – like chicken and steak – but not yet a few things he misses – like Barbecued Ribs or his mother’s pasta sauce recipe. At this point in his journey, Dustin sees friends, family and others who ask what he’s done to reach his healthy new weight.

He went from a size 44 pant down to a size 36. And Dustin says it was as easy as following the program and getting support and tips from the clinic staff when he needed them.

 “At least try it and see if the program is right for you,” he says.

Wondering how Dustin successfully dropped weight to live a healthier life? Medical Weight Loss Clinic can help you with a personalized program and the support that makes all the difference. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Picturing Success: Angela Coleman can’t stop checking the scale as she nears her goal with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Detroiter Angela Coleman is no stranger to the gym. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Angela would spend 2 hours a day, 6 days a week at the gym. But when the gyms closed down she found another way to focus on her health.

Television commercials led Angela to Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Southfield. She initially joined in January of 2018 and while she found the program helpful, she fell off temporarily and recommitted to her goals in July 2020. That’s all it took. She follows the program and seeks the advice of our clinic staff members – and just over a year later she’s nearly reached her goal. 

Angela and her story are now featured on posters at all of the Medical Weight Loss Clinic locations.

Angela has lost 48 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic. She’s down to 130 pounds and still losing. Her goal? She wants to return to the weight she was when she met her husband – 122 pounds. For the 5’ 1” blackjack dealer that number was tough to imagine on her own. 

One reason? “I have a cook in the kitchen,” she says of her husband who is also a chef. They often make separate meals so she can stay on the program and the path to her goal. “I hate the fact that we do that but it’s not fair to make fried chicken if you can’t eat it.”  

So far, Angela says, the biggest challenge she faced has been fighting cravings. When they strike, she grabs an orange or an extra protein shake.

“I learned the way to eat properly,” she says. Finding the foods that work best for her, drinking enough water and paying closer attention to portion size have done the trick. It also helps that she found the right kind of support at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. She counts one of her advisors – Roz – as close friend, too.

Her weight loss has been a noticeable change. From co-workers and friends to members of her church – where they started their own Biggest Weight Loss competition inspired by her success - Angela says people now pay close attention to what she’s putting on her plate.  

“People try stuff and never really get results,” she says. “You still have to do the work.”

“I want to grow old gracefully,” Angela says.

And that she has. Like so many of us, Angela has worn an array of sizes in clothing. She’s a comfortable Size 4-6 now and working to get back into a 2. And that bathroom scale? She checks it every chance she gets.

“I’m a scale junkie,” she jokes. That’s just one way for her to stay on track.

Perhaps the best part, she’s feeling healthier too. Her knees used to tremble on the stairs and her blood pressure was sometimes too high. Now, she’s feeling great and doesn’t worry about either one.

Angela still works out – at home. But she’s happiest on long walks and wandering Belle Isle. At 61 years old, she says “I want to grow old gracefully.” And we think she’s doing just that.

If you want to try the program Angela recommends to all who ask, reach out to us at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic programs are customized to meet your health goals. Find out more. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

This Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient is about to reach her 100 pound weight loss goal!

Cate Monroe is living proof we can achieve our goals.

The next time she steps on a scale at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, Cate will officially reach her goal – 100 pounds in weight loss. She’s been regularly visiting our Chesterfield Township location since July.

Chesterfield resident Cate Monroe joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic in July and she’s now 100 pounds lighter.

“This is the best feeling of accomplishment that I've ever felt!” she shares. “I proved to myself that I can and will achieve anything with determination and a refusal to quit. I've become way more disciplined than ever with everything I eat and drink and I never lost my focus of reaching this goal.

 “I am very proud of myself and I completely appreciate the staff at Medical Weight Loss for being my strongest supporters on this journey with me.”

Cate began her journey last summer after struggling to lose weight on other programs. The busy wife and mother signed up with Medical Weight Loss Clinic and committed to making changes to improve her health.

“For me, losing the weight and hitting my goal meant I was no longer considered obese, I have a more normalized BMI, my blood sugar levels are at an all-time low and I am no longer worried about ever getting that big again!” Cate says. “It has taken a long time to mentally tell myself that I am NOW considered a healthy and strong woman.”

Cate Monroe is about to mark 100 pounds lost since these photos were taken at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

It’s been nothing short of life-changing.

“The program that Medical Weight Loss Clinic offered to me created a new chapter in my life,” says Cate, “a chapter of joy and the freedom to do the things that I once enjoyed comfortably. Now, I no longer fear being too big for rollercoasters, too big to fit in the Detroit Opera House seats or getting winded even walking up and down the basement stairs. I went from feeling ugly and uncomfortable to feeling beautiful and normal again.”

Cate dropped from a size 18 to a size 8 - with wiggle room in her jeans. Each pound lost helped motivate her to keep moving forward to reach this goal. She created a vision board to see and encourage continued progress after hitting the 50-pound mark months ago. She also had to replace her wardrobe along the way.

The tools Cate discovered, new habits and one-on-one support she received at Medical Weight Loss Clinic were all critical to her success, she says.

“The staff always held me accountable,” she says. “They gave me advice and different ways to (prepare for) the vacations that I've already taken. I still lost weight!”

Like so many of our Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients, Cate discovered she could approach food differently.

“I had to transform my relationship with food to a more positive approach,” she says. “I still have my addictions and obsessions but I have a new mindset as to what I eat and why I'm eating it. I've learned to embrace food and take control of everything I put in my mouth.”

This motivation board helped Cate Monroe keep up her healthy journey.

At the start, she removed foods that could trigger her to eat or make less healthy choices. Cate discovered she was an emotional eater. She used food to feel better. Her connection to food has changed completely.

“Now, I no longer feel any guilt after eating,” she says. “Eating healthier, proportionate sizes and better choices makes food much more enjoyable.”

Even though Cate has reached her goal, she’ll continue visiting Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“What comes after I hit my goal is what REALLY excites me - The Maintenance Phase,” she says. “No other program that I've done has anything like this. Knowing that I have one full year of Maintenance Phase is encouraging because I have always fallen back into my old ways once I've lost some weight.”

Not this time.

“Medical Weight Loss Clinic has my back and they really don't want me to slip back into my old patterns,” she says. “They are there for me to help me maintain and keep extra weight off for good!”

What’s your weight loss goal? Medical Weight Loss Clinic is here to support your journey. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros know what the scale can and can’t tell us

Love it or hate it, the trusty household scale has been used to measure weight loss for as long as we can remember. Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients looking to find a healthier path will inevitably hop on a scale to check their individual progress. The number that appears on a bathroom scale might be reason enough for a patient to reach out for support.

The scale is only one way to measure progress on a healthy journey.

While it’s a helpful tool we use to see how close our patients are to reaching their individual goals, a scale won’t tell us the whole story.

Mary Pierce, manager at the Medical Weight Loss Clinic location in Ann Arbor, says a scale can reveal whether a patient is following the customized plan – or not. It also cues us to those times when a dietary change might benefit a patient.

So yes, it’s a reliable way to measure progress. But it isn’t the only way.  

We look beyond just that number. When a patient visits Medical Weight Loss Clinic, experts like Mary want to know so much more.

She asks questions like:

• How close are you following your plan?

• Are you eating meals in restaurants or away from home where you have less control over the ingredients?

• What challenges are you having with the program?

• Has there been a change in the medications you take? These can sometimes impact weight loss.

Answers to questions like these can tell us a lot – and help us provide the tips and support our patients need. Mary said she will also check on a patient’s water intake and blood pressure. She’ll review food journals to see how the foods impact the patient. And she’ll find out how much activity or exercise a patient has been getting. It’s all part of a balanced overall program. And these factors all contribute to how efficiently we might be losing weight.

It has happened to all of us. Occasionally those numbers on the scale don’t seem to budge. That’s when it’s time to look for other signs of progress. If we can measure a change in inches around the waist or in how well our clothes fit, it can be just as encouraging.

Mary says once she has an update from her patient, it’s time to determine a plan of action to ensure weight loss success. Plans are based on where each patient is at that time and what is needed to keep moving forward in a healthy way.

Visits include behavior education, a chance to work on the personal and social challenges related to weight management. It’s also important to set new goals, share tips for fresh recipes or advise on how to schedule meals. And when patients need help navigating social events, we can help there too.

Professionals at Medical Weight Loss Clinic see their self-esteem and body image improve as they work through a customized program. That’s something you won’t see reflected on the scale, but we see it every day at our locations.

Are you ready to reach your healthy goals? Reach out to us at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

How this Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient found the fast track to success

So many of us can relate to Cate Monroe’s story. She’s a busy wife and mother who balances her full-time job with raising three children along with her husband. When it comes to managing her health, it can sometimes feel like a struggle.

“I tried many different types of diets,” she says. “I had some success but bounced back and gained even more weight once I stopped. I knew I needed a program that gave me the tools to be successful, a program that helped hold me accountable - with weigh- ins and consults - and a program that will continue to be there once my 18 weeks are done.”

Chesterfield resident Cate Monroe joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic in July and she’s more than half way to her goal already.

And so Cate started her healthy journey with Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Chesterfield location in July 2021. She knew about the program because her mother used it years ago with great success.

“She knew I had been struggling with my weight and suggested I try it,” Cate said. “I had seen some ads on Facebook about Medical Weight Loss Clinic so I took the first step and signed up for a consultation. That same evening, I signed up with a goal of losing 95 pounds in 18 weeks.”

Barely 4 months into her program and Cate is more than half way to her goal. She’s lost 55 of the 95 pounds she intends to lose. What’s more, she says her experience has been fairly easy!

“I've stuck to the program and haven't ventured off,” Cate adds. “The nutritional shakes help curb my sweet tooth and the program helped me regain control of my eating habits.

Given that Cate works as a prep cook six days a week, she’s surrounded by food. She and her husband own the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Roseville, which keeps her busy in addition to managing the schedules of three kids who participate in plenty of social activities and sports. 

With Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Freedom program, Cate has found that already her own cravings for sugar, caffeine, salt and snacks are under control. And she’s documenting her own journey on Facebook.

“I have always been addicted to food, food was always running through my mind and I impulsively ate for no reason. Portion control – like weighing out my proteins, measuring my fruits and vegetables and limiting my starches - have been the best learning tool for me to gain throughout my journey with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.”

She’s found that checking in with counselors every other day and incorporating healthy nutrient supplements into her diet are most helpful and appreciates the support she receives at the Chesterfield clinic.

Cate said she was worried at the beginning that she’d have trouble staying committed and focused on eating healthy.

“Everyday life got in the way and I would fail with other diets,” she says. “Now, I cook at home for myself or choose healthier choices if we go out to eat.”

She’s still reaching toward her goal, and mindful that this time, she will be able to keep the weight off. For now, the compliments she receives from friends and family are providing the motivation she needs to keep going. And seeing the visible outcomes already – the drop in inches and sizes – certainly makes a difference.

“I feel better over all,” she says. I have more energy and I feel accomplished of how far I have come. I’m feeling the difference and seeing the difference.”

What motivates you toward a healthy lifestyle? If you’re looking for some support, Medical Weight Loss Clinic is here to help. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

This Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient's ready to ride a 50K after losing 70 lbs. this year

The connection our Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff makes with patients goes beyond our clinic doors. We’re there for patients all along their healthy journeys.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient Anita Downing is ready to ride 50K on her bike - in the Stony Creek Marathon.

Just ask Anita Downing, who comes to our Shelby Township clinic and has lost 70 pounds this year.

Downing didn’t have to manage her weight loss alone. She’s had the support of Clinic Manager Tracy Stefanides all along. And now they’ll both participate in the Stony Creek Marathon on Nov. 7. Tracy is running her first ultramarathon this year. And Anita will be right by her side, taking on the 50K on her bike.

The distance isn’t intimidating to Anita, who regularly rides 100 miles per week. Most days she covers 10 to 20 miles – and it’s part of her day she loves. From her Armada home, Anita can hop on a bike trail and take it all the way to Rochester and back. She clocks in about 36 miles, which exceeds the distance she’ll go during the marathon.

“I have been a long-time bike trail rider,” Anita says, “probably for at least 20 years or more. Even before I lost all my weight, I would try and ride about 20 miles a day.”

She started riding longer distances when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Like her healthy Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, riding her bike has been a benefit to her health and mindset.

“It is a great exercise for the body and helps me to clear my mind.,” she says. “I just put my headphones on and go.”

There are so many reasons Anita loves riding. It’s an accessible way to get exercise in each day. Riding is inexpensive. It doesn’t require her to join a gym or make an appointment. And it’s a great way to “burn off the stresses of the day,” she says.

“Riding my bike has fit right into my 2021-getting-myself- healthy program.”

If you’re ready to start your own healthy journey, call us at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. No biking required. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Anita Downing rides 10-20 miles a day.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff suggests trying this one thing to make the most of World Health Day April 7

Celeste Tyson, clinic manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Farmington Hills, is not only living proof that the healthy program works, she’s inspiring others to get healthy, too.

And on April 7 - World Health Day – Celeste shares the one thing everyone can do today to ensure a healthier future tomorrow. “Commit to doing some form of exercise daily,” she says. 

Celeste Tyson is clinic manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Farmington Hills.

It can be anything you enjoy – from incorporating a daily walk after dinner to biking or lifting weights. Doing one thing you enjoy every single day can help ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Health is top of mind for all who walk through the doors of a local Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Celeste says most patients come in who are looking to avoid a family history of health issues – like Diabetes. Another top reason they come to the clinic, she says, is to improve their appearance. Being healthier offers a boost to our self-esteem.

Celeste came to Medical Weight Loss Clinic as an employee nearly 2 years ago after working in the health care system. She was already familiar with the program. Celeste lost weight with Medical Weight Loss Clinic in 2012 – and it impacted not only her diet and lifestyle but her family as well. At the time, her 13-year-old son weighed 287 pounds. With the knowledge she gained from her weight loss program, she helped him lose 124 pounds - and keep them off.

“I taught him how to keep the weight off,” she says. “We started our journey together. It was one of my greatest accomplishments.”

For these reasons, she sees the program itself to be so much more than weight loss support. It’s about a healthier future.

Take steps to make this your healthiest year yet, with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“This is a new legacy we’re passing down to our families,” she says. “Just like your Grandma and Auntie’s cooking. It’s a different lifestyle. We want to be healthier.”

In advance of World Health Day, Medical Weight Loss Clinic has already seen an influx in new patients – so many of whom are looking to reach a healthier BMI and to prevent against a dangerous COVID-19 infection. And the staff is here to help. Celeste says one of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing patients reach their goals – whether it be weight loss, BMI, or no longer needing medication to regulate blood sugar.

“They are able to decrease or eliminate medications entirely,” she says. “It motivates them.”

That’s a proud moment for not only the patient but the staff members who are working closely to help make it happen.

Patients range from 13 to 86 years in age at the Farmington location, Celeste says. She knows it’s never too soon or too late to reach out for help. And should anyone fall of course, Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s dedicated staff is ready to provide support. She works with her patients on not only the kinds of foods to eat and customizing a program that works for their lifestyle, but also tips to demonstrate how portion control can make a difference in a healthier lifestyle.

“Refer someone who can really benefit,” says Celeste.

There’s still room and time to join Medical Weight Loss Clinic to get the support that helps you succeed. Learn more about how Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s customized programs. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros help you schedule in your success

When we embark on a new, healthy journey, there is one factor that always helps us reach our goal – consistency. Adopting new health and lifestyle choices will lead to success, but only if they are practiced consistently. That’s where our professional staff and the support you’ll find at Medical Weight Loss Clinic can help you set a schedule that will make a difference.

Pre-planning and preparing food ahead of time can set you up for weight loss success.

Whether you’re working hard to turn around a diagnosis like Diabetes, want reach a healthier BMI or simply aim to feel better and get more active, our staff is here to help. Linda Simon, manager of Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Royal Oak location, understands how planning, scheduling and preparing for success on a consistent basis can mean a world of difference to her patients. She sees it every day.

“I always highlight the importance of being consistent when it comes to weight loss,” Linda says. “A healthy, steady loss is much better for long term success -  which is what everyone wants.”

To start, Linda assists her patients with developing new routines to help reach their weight loss and health goals. She reminds them to be patient with themselves while developing these new routines. It can take time to adjust to the changes and to building in time for food planning and preparation each day. It does get easier. And whenever a patient feels challenged, she reminds them that support is always nearby.

“Coming into our clinic and meeting with a weight loss consultant helps our patients stay on track and stay accountable,” says Linda. “We go over their daily diet and exercise goals as well as helping them with any upcoming challenges they may face. Our support and guidance throughout their entire program helps with their weight loss success.” 

At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, there is always someone on your side. For those getting used to a new routine, the first meal of the day is crucial, Linda says.

“It wakes up your metabolism,” she adds. “I'm always surprised at the number of people who skip breakfast! It's important to eat every few hours because it also stimulates your metabolism.”

But that’s not all. Linda and her team are armed and ready with proven advice on how to reach those tough weight loss goals.

“Our patients learn that it's best to consume fruit before 6 p.m. due to its natural sugar content,” she says. “At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, you will not only learn how to eat for today, but how to eat for the rest of your life.”

Each program is customized for what the patient needs. By consistently following the path set forth by Medical Weight Loss Clinic professionals, it’s possible to achieve a healthy goal in a healthy and efficient way.

Linda encourages her patients to pre-plan and prepare meals ahead of time – to avoid choosing foods that won’t support their journey when their schedules get busy, And she’s a fan of exercise as a tool toward weight loss and a great stress-reliever, even if it’s in short intervals throughout the day.

“I always encourage patients to make their weight loss journey a top priority,” Linda says.

Are you ready to make your health a priority? Learn more about how Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s personalized programs. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Picturing Success: Patrick DelCorvo made a true life change

When 64-year-old Patrick DelCorvo discovered Medical Weight Loss Clinic at a health fair at work, he weighed over 300 pounds and feared that he wouldn’t be around for his three adult children or to see his two grandchildren grow up.

Find out what inspired Patrick DelCorvo to lose weight.

Almost three years later, Patrick says he’s thankful Medical Weight Loss Clinic was at the fair, because he believes joining the program saved his life. 

“At the start of the program I weighed almost 315 pounds. My physical activity was near zero,” he says. “I had trouble with everyday tasks like tying my shoes, putting on socks ... I literally couldn’t lift myself up off the ground without some sort of support. Walking to the car was even a chore because I had such a hard time breathing.”

The weight took a medical toll on his body too. Patrick says he struggled with high blood pressure for years and was on one medication for that and another for acid reflux. He “had constant back pain and headaches almost daily.”

“I started to become a hermit because I was so unhappy with the way I looked and felt,” he says. “Overall I just wasn’t a very happy person. I was embarrassed at the person I had become.” 

Patrick DelCorvo lost 100 pounds in 10 months with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Upon joining the Shelby Township location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic, in its former Romeo location, that all changed. Almost immediately, he was able to stop taking his acid reflux medication and stopped having heartburn. 

He dropped over 100 pounds in 10 months, thanks to clinic staff teaching him how to eat well and holding him accountable.

“I’m healthy again. I’m off all of the medications that I was on before my weight loss,” he says. “Physically, all of the pain I was experiencing is gone for the most part. I CAN BREATHE AGAIN!!! Emotionally, it feels great to hear all of the positive responses from family and friends. It is such a great feeling! I can do all of the things that I struggled with before my weight loss.”

For Patrick, the biggest challenge was getting started with the program because it was tough to learn to eat healthy and control his portions. But when he overcame those hurdles, he found a new way of life. 

“Once you get used to eating healthy, there really is no other way to eat,” he says. 

And eating better and losing weight has had a positive impact on just about every part of his life.

“I’m happier, more outgoing, and actually leave the house now because I’m happy with the way that I look,” he says. 

His success even inspired his sons in an unexpected way as they both quit smoking when they saw how he was working to get healthy. 

“What an absolutely great feeling to be an inspiration to them!” he says.

Now, Patrick loves to spread the word of how well Medical Weight Loss Clinic programs work. He encourages others to trust the team at the clinics, stick to the plan they’re on and commit to clinic visits to stay accountable. 

“I try to influence and encourage others that they can do it too,” he says. “I have people come up to me on a daily basis and ask how I did it, and I tell them with a little will power and some help by this fantastic program. It truly has saved my life!”

If you’re ready to begin your weight loss journey and get a new lease on life, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Portion control can help keep our meals in check

We’ve become programmed to be used to super-sized food portions. But you aren’t doing yourself any favors indulging in these heaping plates — especially if you are working to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight in the new year. In fact, portion control is an important part of achieving those goals.

Did you know you can your hands to measure portions of everything from vegetables to cheese? We’ll share how.

Here are 7 simple tips for how to manage your food portions from certified wellness practitioner and Medical Weight Loss Clinic Community Relations Director Tracy Strieter.

1. Give a thumbs-up for measuring high-fat foods. Use your thumb tip to keep high fat foods, such as peanut butter and mayonnaise at a minimum. One teaspoon is equal to the end of your thumb, from the knuckle to the thumb tip. Your whole thumb is equivalent to a tablespoon.    

2. Point your finger to measure cheese. Your index or pointer finger is approximately equivalent to 1.5 ounces, which counts as 8 ounces of milk or dairy. Consuming low-fat cheese can help you meet the required servings from the dairy group.  

3. A handful is great for measuring your snack. Snacking can add up, so remember to limit nuts to one handful and chips or pretzels to two handfuls. Each of these examples is about 170 calories and over 10 grams of fat. 

4. Use cupped hands for vegetable portions. The majority of calories in vegetables are not in the vegetable itself, but in the toppings and condiments we add to them. Consider using herbs or spices and some fresh lemon instead of butter and cheese for some extra flavor.

5. Spoil your supper. Skipping lunch and your afternoon snack to save up calories for a night of feasting may seem like a smart move, but it almost always backfires. We suggest that you fill up and still leave room for dinner by eating a light lunch packed with protein and fiber, and then about an hour before the event, take the edge off your hunger with an apple. In a study from Penn State, people who ate an apple before a pasta dinner consumed 15 percent less, (about 187 fewer calories). This is mainly because apples are high fiber and pass slowly through your digestive system, so you stay satisfied longer.

6. Outsmart the bird. Reach for the lighter pieces of meat because they have fewer calories and less fat than the darker ones. Another way to cut calories and fat is to take off the skin. Remember, a serving size of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. So be conscious of how much you put on your plate and pass on that second helping. Watch out for the gravy train too.

7. Use smaller plates and serving utensils. Try a salad or dessert plate for the main course and a teaspoon to eat. What looks like a normal portion on a 12-inch plate or a large bowl can be sinfully huge. In one study conducted at the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University, even nutrition experts served themselves 31 percent more ice cream when they used oversize bowls compared with smaller bowls. The size of the serving utensil mattered too! Subjects served themselves 57 percent more when they used a 3-ounce scoop versus a smaller one.

For more tips, support and a customized program to help you succeed on your weight loss journey, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic and book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Picturing Success: David Morris calls accountability the key to healthy changes

David Morris lost 160 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

It’s taken him a few tries to zero in on what works best for him, but Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient David Morris knows that after he completes his program, accountability is key to his successfully maintaining his 135-pound weight loss.

“I’m one of those people who’s really good at losing weight; it’s keeping it off that’s the struggle, so I’ve gone back on the program two or three times,” he said. Starting at just under 300 pounds, he’d initially lost 127 pounds in 13 months. “I would go on maintenance but then I’d start to struggle, especially around the holidays.” 

He said would quit going for check-ins and justify it by saying he was too busy for them. And sometimes, the fact that he was regaining weight and falling into old eating habits made him feel too embarrassed to check in, until he would decide that he had gained so much he needed to go back on the program.

“I’ve learned over time, I need to go (check in) a minimum of three days a week, regardless,” he said.

Now 65, David’s weight loss over the last five years inspired others around him. A few people he knows have joined MWLC, and one friend even helps him stay accountable because David drives him to the Warren clinic each week. 

For David, a goal-oriented person, it was key that he started to look at maintaining a weight of 160 pounds as his goal rather than only hitting that weight.

“The challenge wasn’t so much the lifestyle change to lose the weight, it’s the lifestyle change not to gain it back,” he said, “and I’m somebody who it’s taken several years to figure that out and make it work. And I was able to do that because I stay close to the clinic.” 

David Morris demonstrates how much fat he actually lost.

He’s motivated to keep the weight off because he doesn’t want to have to re-lose pounds he’s already taken off again and because he’s gained so much in quality of life.

“I’m very comfortable the cycle has been broken,” he said. 

‘Life was passing me by’

David’s biggest struggles with his weight began 15 years ago when he had an aortic aneurysm and started to crave sweets in a way he never had before. His health issues caused him to leave his law practice after 22 years in the field, and depression and anxiety over his weight set in.  

“I realized life was passing me by. If I kept up what I was doing, I was going to die young,” he said.

He saw a commercial for MWLC and liked that he would be able to buy his own food and use their supplements. He told his wife he could do it, and she said she’d drive him.

“It worked like a charm,” he said of the program. “I’m healthier physically now at the age of 65 than I was at 50. I can do more. I can function physically.”

David was ultimately able to go off multiple high blood pressure medications and more. As the weight came off and he felt better physically and mentally, he was able to cut out the anti-anxiety and anti-depression meds too.

Active Again

Thanks to his weight loss, David has been able to get back to being an active outdoorsman and loves taking backpacking trips around Michigan and beyond. 

“Since I lost all the weight along with a buddy who also got into the program and also lost a substantial amount of weight, we do several backpack trips a year and that’s something that’s totally changed,” he said. “My grandkids live in Utah and Arizona, but when I’m with them, I can keep up with them.”

David was preparing for a backpacking trip at the Grand Canyon in 2019 when he suffered another aneurysm. But he and his doctors credit his healthy weight with recovery being so much easier for him this time around. And although his friend still went to the Grand Canyon while David had to delay, they plan to take the trip in a year or so. It’s yet another motivating factor for David to maintain his weight.

“My life has changed because I have energy and more desire. I’m not depressed over the fact that I can’t do anything and look like I did when I was big. I’m just a much happier person. I’m a real cheerleader for this place.  I really recommend it.” 

If you’re ready to learn how to make lasting changes to help you lose weight and keep it off, schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Weight loss helped Judy Patterson regain her health, so much more

Twice, Judy Patterson was hospitalized because her pancreas shut down. She was 70 years old and worried about how to avoid following friends and family members who had increasing health problems as they aged. One year later, her concern was that she didn’t know how to respond to compliments after she lost 63 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Judy Patterson is celebrating her health thanks to Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Judy had always struggled with her weight and tried just about everything she knew to lose it: weight loss products, fasting, a vegetables-only diet. 

“Nothing worked. I would lose and gain it back — plus more,” she said. “It was rough taking care of my 4-year-old grandson, doing laundry and everyday chores.” 

She was motivated by her grandson to get healthy in a lasting way and found that the Medical Weight Loss Clinic in White Lake was her way to achieve that. She paid for her program in advance to save money and especially to help her stay committed to reaching her goal so the money wasn’t wasted. That worked. And a segment “The Dr. Oz Show” did on food addiction helped confirm for her that she’d made the right choice. 

“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.” 

With direction and support from clinic staff, Judy dropped four dress sizes and 30.5 inches. She said she doesn’t need any medication and that her doctor is proud of her. 

“I joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic and learned to change my eating habits,” she said. “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.”

Her advice for anyone beginning their weight loss journey is to stick to a grocery list to avoid temptations (remove starches, sugar and snacks from the house for the same reason); wait 10 minutes when a craving hits and make a healthy choice if it doesn’t subside; and take 12 hours off eating at night. It was these, and other tips and guidance from clinic staff that helped Judy achieve her goal.

“Sixty years of wishing has come true.” 

If you are ready to make your weight loss dreams a reality, book your free consultation with Medical Weight Loss Clinic online or call 1-800-GET-SLIM

Picturing Success: Laura Campbell loves the way she looks and feels thanks to Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Laura Campbell pictures success with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

When Laura Campbell became a Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient in September 2017, she hoped for a long-term solution that would stick. 

“I was dissatisfied with my previous weight loss efforts because I would plateau, get frustrated, quit and gain all the weight back,” she said.

Her motivation for weight loss, when she started to visit the Lansing and Okemos clinics, was to become more comfortable in her body and the spaces around her.

“I wasn't having real health issues, but a lot of little things bothered me,” Laura said. “I couldn't find professional work clothes in my size. When I sat in chairs, my hips touched the sides/arms of the chair, and I struggled to get airplane seatbelts on — that kind of stuff that built up into long-term emotional hurt.”

When she found out that her employer partnered with MWLC and offered a discount, she decided to give it a try and ended up being happy with the results. MWLC programs have several qualities that Laura was looking for in her ideal weight loss program that made it easier for her to stick with, such as:

·      Personal, one-on-one service

·      Short visits that easily fit into her schedule

·      No requirements to buy food to do the program, but the option to purchase supplements and other aids for weight loss

·      Focus on long-term goals, healthy eating habits and how to maintain the weight loss 

At first, Laura found it challenging to stick only to the foods on the “allowed” list, but was so happy with her progress that it, combined with the supportive clinic staff, helped her stay focused. She said the clinic staff was flexible in taking account of her needs and made changes to her plan as necessary. Within the first 10 months, Laura met her goal of losing 95 pounds. She is especially proud of this success because she lost the weight in a healthy way.

The tools and strategies Laura received from the clinic staff over the years have helped her break her long-time habit of turning to food and drink as a way to deal with her stressful job. 

“It was and still is a hard habit to break, but with the tools I got and eating strategies MWLC provided, I can stop weight gains before they go too far and can work on overall healthy eating,” she said.

Laura has switched to healthier daily habits. She exercises each morning and front-loads her food intake, eating less as the day goes on to make sure she efficiently burns the calories she consumes. These days, seeing how far she’s come and how good she feels is what motivates Laura to stick with the tools that got her here.

“I think about the nutrition and health of food I eat a lot more than I ever did and work on making better choices when I eat out,” she said. “I travel a lot for my work, so sometimes the habits are hard to maintain, but I am always thinking about ways I can keep them up — how I can make healthy choices when eating out, how I can fit in exercise with my travel schedule and how much I like the new clothes I wear.

“Even when I weighed more, I was very active and enjoyed camping, hiking and kayaking, but now it's easier and I'm more comfortable doing it.

“Did I mention I love the clothes I can wear now?” 

If you are ready to try a weight loss program that will give you the tools you need to meet your goals and find long-term success, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today for a free consultation. Book online or call 248-353-8446.