Introduction: I have been overweight for most of the past 40 years, going from 185 lbs. at highschool graduation to about 220 my sophomore year of college (1965), and eventually reaching more than 250 lbs. Even so, I had ample energy until the past 5 years, during which I tried about 10 weight-loss programs (Weight Watchers, shakes, Advocare, low carbs, Atkins, along with exercise now and then). All of these worked, but I would stay with the recommended regimen for 90 days to a year and a half, quit, and gain most or all of the weight back. This cycle finally caught up with me May 1, 2014, when I experienced a serious and odd golf-cart-tipping accident at a weight of 277. Looking back, I was obese (my BMI approximately 43), walked slowly, and lacked energy. My A1C (blood glucose level) was 7.3 even though I was taking several pills for Type 2 diabetes. After the accident, I decided to make a lifestyle change and get well. To date I have had 92 physical-therapy sessions, 31 Pilates sessions, 25 Zumba sessions, 3 operations, an estimated 120 gym sessions for aerobic and PT reps, 6 days in hospitals, an estimated 150 at-home PT sessions, 10 weight-loss hypnosis sessions; 23 muscle-treatment sessions, and hundreds of miles of walking.
Results: My right hand is now at 95% in comparison to my left. My right shoulder is finally at 90%; the goal for both is 100%. I plan to continue a rigorous improvement regimen for another 120 days; returning to my passion, golf, January 4. As of November 23, my A1C is 5.9 (ADA recommends under 7.0 as acceptable). My energy level, highest since I was in my twenties, (I’m now 70). My weight is currently 228.5; a total loss of 48.5lbs since 5-1-14; more importantly 19.5 since August 19.
Success, why: The accident served as a wake- up call; I was only 23 lbs. shy of reaching 300; tired of repetitive cycle of loss and gain. Yes, by August 19, 2015 I had lost 29 lbs. on my own (Advocare, walking, gym), but I knew just matter of time before I would quit all the pills for Advocare, likely balloon up in weight once again. But to my good fortune I found Omni Pilates in Lubbock, owner and Pilates professional Alina Seright, hypnotherapist Carol Hilger, and Zumba instructor Stephanie Brunson. These three ladies are the best of the best I have ever worked with in various schemes to improve my health in past 40-plus years. They care! All private sessions, customized. Pilates was new for me, but Alina has been both professional and patient with me. I started as a 1 on a 10 point scale, and am now a 5, with much improved range of motion, stamina, breathing, centering, and control. Weight-loss hypnosis seemed totally out of the box to me, but I discovered that it has been approved by the AMA since 1952. losing 19.5 of tough lbs. after losing 29 easier lbs., I lost 19.5 more difficult pounds (1.22 per week) simply following Carol's advice and goal setting, with no diet specified whatsoever. At this rate, I will reach my target weight of 217 by February 29, a total loss of 60 lbs. since the accident. I’ve already reached my goal of more energy and beat my A1C goal of 6.5 with a recent 5.9!! Zumba, also new for me, is aerobic exercise but fun, with customized music (not a drag whatsoever as aerobic gym work often becomes, at least for me) and has definitely helped with range of motion, balance, and burning calories. Hospitality at Omni Pilates is the best I have observed (welcoming smiles, water/apple/health bar if needed, towels, and flexible scheduling) over the past 40-plus years of going to multiple gyms, offices, so forth trying to improve my health with various methodologies. Plus Omni is efficient and blessed with first-class clientele—both women and men—seeking better health that fits their goals and priorities.
—Gordon Davis a.k.a. "Slim" Ph.D.
Results: My right hand is now at 95% in comparison to my left. My right shoulder is finally at 90%; the goal for both is 100%. I plan to continue a rigorous improvement regimen for another 120 days; returning to my passion, golf, January 4. As of November 23, my A1C is 5.9 (ADA recommends under 7.0 as acceptable). My energy level, highest since I was in my twenties, (I’m now 70). My weight is currently 228.5; a total loss of 48.5lbs since 5-1-14; more importantly 19.5 since August 19.
Success, why: The accident served as a wake- up call; I was only 23 lbs. shy of reaching 300; tired of repetitive cycle of loss and gain. Yes, by August 19, 2015 I had lost 29 lbs. on my own (Advocare, walking, gym), but I knew just matter of time before I would quit all the pills for Advocare, likely balloon up in weight once again. But to my good fortune I found Omni Pilates in Lubbock, owner and Pilates professional Alina Seright, hypnotherapist Carol Hilger, and Zumba instructor Stephanie Brunson. These three ladies are the best of the best I have ever worked with in various schemes to improve my health in past 40-plus years. They care! All private sessions, customized. Pilates was new for me, but Alina has been both professional and patient with me. I started as a 1 on a 10 point scale, and am now a 5, with much improved range of motion, stamina, breathing, centering, and control. Weight-loss hypnosis seemed totally out of the box to me, but I discovered that it has been approved by the AMA since 1952. losing 19.5 of tough lbs. after losing 29 easier lbs., I lost 19.5 more difficult pounds (1.22 per week) simply following Carol's advice and goal setting, with no diet specified whatsoever. At this rate, I will reach my target weight of 217 by February 29, a total loss of 60 lbs. since the accident. I’ve already reached my goal of more energy and beat my A1C goal of 6.5 with a recent 5.9!! Zumba, also new for me, is aerobic exercise but fun, with customized music (not a drag whatsoever as aerobic gym work often becomes, at least for me) and has definitely helped with range of motion, balance, and burning calories. Hospitality at Omni Pilates is the best I have observed (welcoming smiles, water/apple/health bar if needed, towels, and flexible scheduling) over the past 40-plus years of going to multiple gyms, offices, so forth trying to improve my health with various methodologies. Plus Omni is efficient and blessed with first-class clientele—both women and men—seeking better health that fits their goals and priorities.
—Gordon Davis a.k.a. "Slim" Ph.D.