Patient Success Story: 100 lb Weight Loss Journey
Matt Johnston knew he needed to lose weight, but the idea of trying a new
fad diet or exercise program left him feeling overwhelmed. Add in a 60–70-hour
workweek, and the idea of a healthier lifestyle just seemed too far out
of reach. It wasn’t until Matt’s little sister came for a
visit that he realized just how much those extra pounds were impacting
his quality of life. “We were at Sky Zone, and I jumped into one
of the ball pits,” recalled Matt. “To my embarrassment, I
couldn’t pull myself out. I needed someone else to help pull me
out.” From that moment on, Matt was ready to make a change.
A partner by his side at his next check-up, Matt’s provider,
Audrey Crandall, CNP helped him realize that he didn’t have to go on this weight-loss
journey alone. Dr. Crandall referred him to a Clinical Dietitian at Henry
County Hospital. “At that point, I was 293 pounds with a goal weight
of 190. I was so overwhelmed, it didn’t feel possible,” said Matt.
“I learned to take it one day at a time.”
— Matt Johnston
“Together we worked to create a few milestones. As I accomplished
each one, my excitement to establish new ones grew.” Matt continues
to meet every 2-3 weeks to check his progress, ask questions and continue
to make manageable changes to his diet. At his first appointment, Matt
committed to limiting fast food and soft drinks. Over the months, those
two changes grew to a list that included:
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Drinking more water and fewer soft drinks
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Buying individually wrapped ice cream treats instead of buying tubs of ice cream
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Eating more veggies, starting with simple options like carrots and celery
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Eating more fruit, starting with simple options like apples and oranges
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Taking a short walk a few times a day or longer bike rides when the weather is nice
Six months later, Matt has lost almost 50 pounds. This is approximately
17% of his total body weight, and he has no plans of slowing down. “At
first, losing 2-3 pounds each week seemed like nothing,” said Matt.
“I started in August, and by September I noticed my clothes were
too big. I used to wear size 4XL.
Today, I am down to an XL.” Determined to meet his goal weight of
190 pounds, Matt is no longer overwhelmed by the idea of changing his
diet and improving his health. “Before working with Henry County
Hospital, I thought that I would have to give up all the food I love,”
said Matt, who has a ferocious sweet tooth. Instead, he realized that
it was all about moderation. “I can still eat foods like ice cream
and lose weight. I just can’t eat them all the time.”
It also helps that the small changes Matt has made so far have improved
his overall mental and physical health. “I feel amazing! I can do
my job without huffing and puffing, I have a lot more energy and I am
sleeping better at night,” said Matt. “I actually like eating
vegetables now, and I want to exercise more!”
Henry County Hospital Clinical Dietitians create individualized health
plans, specific to each patient’s goals and health needs. By working
with primary care doctors and other specialized physicians, they help
patients maintain a healthy diet, properly manage diabetes and improve
heart health. The first step is to talk with your primary care provider
and ask for a referral to dietician services at Henry County Hospital.
If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can visit HenryCountyHospital.org
to schedule a new patient appointment.