Success Stories

It's been 25 years of struggling with being overweight--25 years of trying different programs, different fad diets, but finally something came along that truly works.

When I stepped on the scale this morning it seemed surreal.  It's been 20 years since I weighed this. I felt like jumping up and down and screaming, but I also felt like curling up and crying. Oh, I forgot to mention, I brought my husband along for the ride!  - Clare, T.

Monthly Member Focus: Janice’s story

Having just completed 12 weeks of the program, maybe I'm still on a "honeymoon" here but the principals of The Healthy Weights Program have taken over my brain.

I have willingly released all the diet garbage that has taken up space in my brain for about 25 years. Here are some specific improvements I have noticed:

• I am down 2 sizes
• I put on my favorite jeans this morning and love the fit!
• I haven't had an emotional binge in more than 2 months
• Being fat has been my identity. I hadn't really planned to shed this identity until I was "thin". You taught me to separate my "self image" from my "body image", both of which have improved drastically

Member stories are submitted voluntarily. Below are some recent notables:

The member stories really motivate me when I feel myself slipping into old habits. Notice I said "old" habits, as the daily walking, food recording and other activities I've been developing through HW are now habits in their own right.

J. Potter

I can't tell you what a huge boost this was for me. All my hard work and determination is starting to pay off. I can't even remember the last time I fit into a pair of 14's...I can tell you it hasn't been in the last 20 years...!!

J. O'Marah

I feel good most of the time now. I cope better with life's ups and downs. My food cravings have been drastically reduced. I have more energy. My body image and self-image have substantially improved.

B. Polteski

Hi Drew! Well, I am very excited! I saw my cardiologist today. The rigidity that I had in my heart muscle last year is GONE! I had a normal echogram! ...... Of course, you can rest assured I will tell everyone about this!'

H. Devry, Cambridge

I enjoyed our discussion yesterday. You are so motivational to me. I know I'm just getting started on Healthy Weights but strangely it has been so liberating to have someone say "hey you don't need to buy into the whole diet/weight loss craze and you can change old habits"...I feel calm more frequently than not. So, thank you for developing a program that finally makes sense.

Renee B, Guelph

I found your lesson on overcoming obstacles REALLY good since I think I am queen of creating barriers. Thanks again Drew, your the first person to really work with me.

T. Richards, Kitchener

I love the way you provide extra help to those that need it.

S. Cabral

The difference between your program and the others is the compassionate approach of you and your staff. I've learned so much about myself and how to cope with stress without turning to food.

J. Bowman

I knew things had changed when my daughter said "Mom, you are so much fun now." Thanks is an understatement!

J. Younge

I just wanted to share. I had gotten rid of all of my size 22 and 24 size clothes and was comfortable in the 18 and 20's I had. Last week I put on my favorite pair of size 20 jeans, to find out they were too big....so instead of buying a new wardrobe, which I can't afford financially right now, I decided to go to and buy a belt for my jeans.

When I walked in the store....I of course browsed through the jean section.. .and decided to try a pair on..what could it hurt...right? Well I decided to try a pair of 16's...just for fun. Never know unless you try.... Only to find out the 16's were too big....YES...too big!!

Who would have thought... I'm proud to say that I walked out of the store with a pair of 14's on.... and a belt in my bag to wear with the rest of my pants at home for now!!

C. Marshall

Wow. I love this program. Thanks so much for letting me be apart of such a glorious organization. Thanks for all the motivation and support.

J. Getslaf

I'm down another 2.3 lbs and I'm half way to my 38 pound goal!

S. Maurer

I've always had to settle for jeans that didn't fit properly because I didn't have a choice. Shopping at specialty stores for large women also meant clothing was expensive.

Today I tried on 5 pairs of jeans and 3 fit--2 fit perfectly. The most amazing thing--they were in the women's department--not the plus-size. I've never bought jeans there before--never!!

H. Carbrera

Just wanted to also say that I enjoy reading other people's entries. It's a healthy way to balance out my own "challenges" with others and realize that I am not crazy and not the only one who struggles with this stuff.

M. Smith

I guess there are allot more people out there who are wrestling with the same stuff... thanks again for the program Drew. I don't think I would have such a positive outlook and feel so supported if I hadn't found you!

T. Thompson

Completing 8 weeks on HW and have lost 12lbs!! I feel like I've lost 100lbs...I don't think I would recognize the person I was a mere 8 weeks ago. I feel good most of the time now.

F. Benson

I cope better with life's ups and downs. My food cravings have been drastically reduced and I have more energy. My body image and how I think of myself  has been getting better with each session.

J. Winters

I actually began losing some weight in the spring and my reason for joining was because I could feel myself stagnating and like I would probably re-gain yet again what I had lost. So my total weight loss since the spring is 28lbs and I've kept every inch of it off. I wish I had started sooner as I am now at peace with myself and my eating.

F. Larsen

I made my January goal!  I've taken off five pounds this month! The last time I was this weight was the summer of 2005.  This feels like a real accomplishment. 

L. Michelson

I've lost a total of eighteen pounds, and I'm not experiencing any "rebound effect" - no cravings, no need to raid the fridge, no obsessing about food.  That's a first.

K. Flesch

As I write this I am still in disbelief. When I checked the scale this morning, I had lost another 3 pounds. I had to get on the scale 3 times because I could not believe it!  Never have I eaten so much and lost so much at the same time. I am not starving myself, I simply changing my relationship with food. Needless to say, it is working beyond my expectation.

J. Prentice

Finally a program that focuses on the psychology of weight loss.