Testimonies

ANGELIA A.

100 LBS LOST

Went from a size 32 to a size 16 in 14 months

• Came off of 5 medications by her doctor
• No longer sleeps with a CPAP machine
• Has been obese entire life and is successfully losing weight through program adherence

Can now ride go-carts and enjoy amusement park rides previously unimaginable due to weight[/x_text]

Testimonials

Margaret S.

2013

I am definitely feeling better about myself and what I am putting in my body to fuel it. I am not feeling guilty in the morning when I wake up, for what I have eaten the day before. Finally, feel in control of what I eat, rather than food controlling me. Program has also motivated me to start exercising more regularly. Tips have helped me to drink more water and less coffee.[/x_text]

Ann D.

2013

My overall outlook on the perspective of making sure I eat the right amount of calories, fat, and protein alone with the right portion size and exercise has made a tremendous impact on my life. This is a change in my life that I can and will manage throughout my life. I have already seen some changes in my weight and in the next few months I am sure I will notice it in my health[/x_text]

Joan C.

2013

I would say that my mood has definitely changed. I love the way that Maurice keeps us motivated each week. I am more conscious of what I am eating because of keeping the food logs. I plan to continue improving my food choices so that in the long run, I will have more energy and sleep better.[/x_text]

Ann D.

2014

Maurice, I apologize for not attending our DPP Meeting today, I have to be in Clarksville. I wanted to let you know how I have been doing. On April 11th, I had my routine doctor’s appointment. My doctor was very pleased because at my previous appointment I weighed 175 lbs, but on April 11th, I weighed 168 lb. My A1c was 6.3 and previously it was 7.3 (my A1c was off because she had changed my cholesterol medication to Astorvastin (Lipitor), which does increase your blood sugar and causes severe leg cramps, but she changed it back at my request); my cholesterol was below 166; my vitamin D level was back to normal; and my Blood pressure was good, 120/70.

As a goal, I am contemplating riding my bike to the bus stop, which will be about a mile one-way from my home, put my bike on the bus to ride to work, and ride my bike home from the bus stop, which would give me an extra 2 miles of exercise at least three times a week, during the nice weather, as soon as I can arrange to get a bike locker.

As another goal, I am working on losing more weight by the time I go back to the doctor in 6 months. This is all I can report at this time. Thank you[/x_text]

Carol S.

2013

I feel more empowered with knowledge. I have been in several weight loss training programs and had a good base of knowledge. But that has been built upon with additional information that helps to further understand how the body works. I like the emphasis on health and not just weight loss. As we know skinny doesn’t equal healthy.[/x_text]

Nancy F.

2013

My blood pressure has decreased from an average of 138/88 to 110/70. My pulse has decreased from around 80 to 60. While I have not decreased my med, I have a routine physical in February and hope then I will be off my blood pressure med. I now have enough energy to do things at home after work that I could not do before.[/x_text]

Joyce T.

2013

At my age, I have a fairly good grasp of what I need to do, still have a problem scheduling time for “me” as opposed to the demands of family members, work and requests from friends for a piece of time. Maurice has reinforced all the positives of taking time for our health. I am committed to living out the rest of my life in as healthy a manner as possible. Thanks to our coach for giving us the motivation to think before we put junk food in our mouth, and to get up and get moving![/x_text]

Karen L.

2013

My husband says I’m a lot easier to live with. I feel better because I have more energy and I’m sleeping better. I’m excited with my weight loss because I have had such a struggle just to maintain, let alone lose weight. Now I’m finally losing weight and I’m loving it.[/x_text]

Patsy C.

2014

16 week has come and gone and the OIG staff in the Diabetic Prevention Program is sad to see our weekly meetings end. Maurice has been a true champion to our group. We got lots of tips today on how to stay on track and also some additional exercises to add to our strength program. We started with 13 people and ended with 10. Our group had 6 out of 10 that lost over 5% of their body weight and 2 of the 6 have exceeded the 7% already. Total pounds lost 111!!![/x_text]

Patsy C.

2014

The OIG department of F&A started the Resistant Band Exercise class on January 21, 2014 with six participates and three months later there are three employees that come on a regular and two other employees that attend at the same time but do cardio activities. The class has changed the exercise routine three times to keep our workouts interesting and challenging for the muscle groups being worked. All instructions on the exercises come from our Diabetic Prevention Coach, Maurice Saliba.

We are thankful that we have a work-out room in our building and that we are allowed the 30 Minute Wellness Break. The group meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays and the class is open to anyone that is interested in the building.

Results: With the diabetic program we three had lost a total of 35 pounds until the exercise class began in January. Now with the band class added we have lost an additional 16 pounds and 11.5 combined total inches from upper arms, waist, and thighs. We all do some form of cardio on our Tuesday and Thursday Wellness Breaks. We are more energized and one member of the class no longer has to take blood pressure medication. Working for a Healthier Tennessee![/x_text]

Janice T.

2013

I started this program to lose weight and learn how to make healthier food choices and to get more motivated to exercise on a daily basis. I have currently lost 8 pounds. I feel better and have more energy and less stress in my life. This program has also made me make healthier food choices both at the grocery store and while eating out. I believe this will be a lifetime change to a better me. I have been taught how to read food labels and how water in the body helps the body function better. I have more self-control over what goes in my body. My quality of life has improved vastly.[/x_text]

Patsy C.

2013

I am really enjoying the program, I have learned so much about how the body works. I also do more research on my own. I am thankful for the journaling and weekly weight in being accountable to a coach and a team makes a difference. I have more energy and have participated in three 5K since we started. The first one was for a friend with cancer, the next two were for me and my new found energy. This is also aided by the 30 minute combined breaks the State is allowing. Motivation is a key factor with our group and Maurice is very motivating. I have had weight loss and continue to loose each week. I sleep so much better and I am eating very healthy.
This is our success story for February from OIG.[/x_text]

Jerry R.

2013

Thank you sir. I was blown away by the vitamin discussion today! Thanks so much for your ongoing support and encouragement. This program (not diet) is what I’ve craved for years. Will share my story with you at some point down the road. I’m motivated to be sub-250 by 1/26 when I have my annual physical. Need to ramp up the band training and stay the course on food and activity. I’m really getting comfortable with the food Know my typical breakfast, snack, and lunch numbers. Dinner is a matter of healthy choices and portion control when “not so much” on the choices. No soda since the start of the program (used to be a Coke Zero guy). Little evening snacking. Feel good! Cannot wait to see my numbers in January. Cannot remember when I’ve been more motivated to change my life for me and the ones I love. You have been a part of that. I appreciate you my, friend.[/x_text]

Karen O.

2013

My quality of life has definitely improved as a result of my participation in DPP. I honestly never thought I would feel this young and healthy at my age of 67 years old. I know it is because I am exercising on a regular daily basis, both at work and at home. Also, the foods I am currently eating are so much more healthy, such as grilled salmon, lots of vegetables – particularly broccoli; lots of homemade vegetable soup with chopped up grilled chicken breast; more fruits than usual. I addition, I no longer drink soft drinks – neither diet nor regular ones. I drink so much more water than I ever have in my life. I try to maintain a total of 40-50 ounces per day. I go to bed at an early time such as 8 or 8:30 pm and get up at 5 pm, which means I always get 8 hours or more of sleep. My energy level has improved tremendously. I am very energetic in my home after getting there from work, and I am very energetic on the weekends, i.e. working in my yard, bike riding, walking, and additional inside house activities. My husband and my family have noticed a difference in my mood. I am much happier and less stressed over insignificant matters. I really count this health participation as a true blessing![/x_text]

Joan C.

2014

On Saturday I completed the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. As I mentioned to you in class on Thursday, I hurt my back 3 weeks ago. This back issue has limited my training; however, I took your advice and used the stretching exercises you suggested. When I started the marathon, I felt great. When I passed the 4 mile mark, my back began to hurt but not much. Once I got to the 9 mile mark, I was hurting more. It was at this point, I thought about you and how excited you were when I told you I would be doing this marathon. In addition, I was wearing my wristband from our class member’s brother that says, “I run for Joe, 4-26-2014”. These thoughts gave me the motivation I needed to keep going. Because of the pain, I had to slow my pace but I stayed determined to finish.

I have rested over the weekend and feel better today. My personal goal for the marathon was to finish at a pace of 15 minutes per mile. I am proud to say that my finish time was 3:22 with a pace of 15.25! So, even with the pain and having to slow down for the last 4 miles, I still was very close.

I am so thankful to be a part of your class. You are a great motivator. You may share results if you want☺[/x_text]