Imagine being kicked off your children’s favorite attraction at Disney World because your weight exceeds the ride’s capacity; you avoid going to the doctor because the standard scale doesn’t measure that heavy; and you are forced to buy a full-sized SUV because you can no longer comfortably drive a mid-sized one. Just 18 short months ago, Jenifer Allen didn’t have to imagine any of this—it was her life.
Now, looking at a 193-pound lighter Allen, you would never guess the triathlon-running mother of two, who wears two-piece bathing suits and runs four times a week, could ever relate to such a lifestyle. Before her days of twice-weekly circuit training, healthy eating and exercising six days a week, she unsuccessfully attempted to shed pounds with weight-loss programs, standard dieting and even a diabetic diet. It seemed Allen, who had been overweight since childhood, was destined for a life of obesity—until she heard about Medi-Weightloss Clinics.
After hearing about the doctor-supervised custom weight loss program from her cousin, who lost weight and maintained it with the plan, she set up the initial consultation, where she formed the customized plan with a member of the wellness team that helped her lose 10 pounds in the first week.
“I was scared to death because they take you down to 500 calories a day,” Allen said. “I had to keep a food journal to explain what I ate, and I realized I would eat more than 500 calories in a sandwich—and in my head I was thinking, ‘That’s all I get in one day!’ But because of the program they put you on and the medicine and the support, it was easier.”
Allen said the weekly consultations with medical professionals give the patient a sense of accountability; knowing she was committed to step on a scale each week kept her motivated and focused. While most of the weigh-ins over the span of the 14 months she spent in the program revealed pounds significantly dropping, there were times when she didn’t lose as much as she hoped and appreciated the support from the team.
“Every week the staff encouraged and supported me,” she said. “Any time I had questions, they assured me I had done so well and come so far.”
One of the greatest tools Allen found in the program was a cookbook including real foods and diet tips for losing and maintaining weight.
“It’s not a book about buying their products or prepackaged food,” she said, “It has guidelines to follow that help you with your food and exercise journal to learn about what the body takes in and what it expends. There’s a recipe book with a grocery shopping list that’s very helpful. There’s also a website where patients submit recipes of things they have made, and they have message boards that are a great way to encourage, support and to know you’re going through this together.”
While Allen said the supplements provided by the medical professionals helped with her energy levels, exercise was a huge part of feeling happy and healthy throughout the program. She would participate in challenges posted on the program’s Facebook page, which includes additional exercises and fitness tips. Allen began her exercise route walking three times a week for 30 minutes, which initially left her winded. After losing 10 pounds in the first week, she decided to carry weights to make up for the extra pounds her body was accustomed to lugging. From there, she progressed her walking to running and began setting fitness goals like running her first 5K—something she achieved after losing 90 pounds.
“They encourage you to keep setting fitness goals for yourself,” she said. “After I ran the 5K by the date I had set, I finished it and set another goal for doing it faster. Now, I have a lot more energy and more confidence. My family life is great; my kids are enjoying having an active mom.”
Allen’s weight loss has affected more than just her children, Dalton, 11, and Jackson, 5—she has Facebook friends from all corners of the country who follow her progress and provide support. She was even approached one day on the sidewalk by a crying woman who said watching Allen walk every day gave her the inspiration to better herself and quit smoking.
“It’s nice to see the inspiration, I can show people weight loss surgery is not the only alternative; there are programs like Medi-Weightloss Clinics that can turn your whole life around. This program saved my life; I went from being morbidly obese and having a 60-inch waist to not being considered overweight with a 32-inch waist. Over half of me is gone!”
To maintain her exercise routine, Allen said she works with two trainers at Anytime Fitness, April Patterson and Dauwn Nilsen. The fitness instructors, who have now become her friends, encouraged her to try Zumba, circuit classes and kickboxing. She said her husband Dwayne has also been a tremendous support to her and has lost 60 pounds exercising with her.
“Working out time is my time,” she said. “Medi-Weightloss Clinics taught me you have to make time for yourself and take care of yourself in order to take care of your family. It’s something I enjoy—I still see Medi-Weightloss Clinics every month for maintenance visits. If you start gaining weight, someone is there to hold you accountable and figure out what the problem is or what’s changed— it’s for as long as you need it.”
Allen continues to do all of the things she is now physically able to. She went parasailing for the first time last summer and is planning to go zip lining this summer. She no longer suffers chronic headaches, and her feet, back and legs have stopped cramping. Her blood pressure has dropped, and she now comfortably fits in restaurant booths and drives a new standard-sized sedan. Recently, she took her son Dalton to a theme park, where she lapped the entire park five times.
“[Losing weight] is the best thing you can do for yourself. Don’t let the price of it dissuade you—that was one of the huge things for me, but there is not a value on your life,” she said. “If this program is what keeps you alive and healthier, then it’s worth every penny and more.”
As Allen holds up the pair of pants she wore to her first consultation, she can now fit her entire body into one pant leg. The idea of her ever wearing pants that size again isn’t something she worries about, because the healthy and happy lifestyle she lives now is her motivation to stay slim. Taking that first step and seeking help is the hardest part, but Allen encourages anyone seeking to lose weight to consult Medi-Weightloss Clinics.
“Don’t be afraid and believe in yourself,” she said. “I’ve definitely added a lot more years to my life— a lot more quality years. I’m not just living; I’m actively living and enjoying my life. One of the best things Medi-Weightloss Clinics taught me is that the words ‘I can’t’ don’t belong in this lifestyle. I’m going to try—and try the best I can.
For additional information on Medi-Weightloss Clinics and to read more success stories like Jenifer’s, visit www.mediweightlossclinics.com.