Client Spotlight: Kellie Gade's Weight Loss Journey
I want to introduce you to Kellie Gade. Kellie is in the middle of her weight loss transformation, and I think you’ll draw inspiration from her story. Before working with me, Kellie was 100 pounds overweight, suffered from a list of health problems, and was taking 13 different prescription medications.
Kellie’s Story
“I never thought it would be possible to lose weight - and keep it off. I grew up drinking soda and eating sugary snacks, chips, processed foods, and fast food. My father would buy whatever the food trend was at the time, and if it was in front of me - I ate it. For example, when Jax, the snack food (think Cheetos) was a thing, my father wouldn’t purchase just one bag - he’d get TEN. I learned that eating junk to an excess was normal. That lead to my mindless, emotional eating.
Over the years, I began packing on the pounds, especially after the birth of my daughter. But the extra weight slowly took a toll on my body. I had developed acid reflux, an electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, back pain, seizures, blackouts, and suffered from mild depression. Seizures and random blackouts kept me from driving which took away all of my independence. If that wasn’t enough, one of my doctors gave me a questionable diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and MS. I felt so helpless.
We all know from watching TV commercials that there’s a drug for everything. Eventually, I took 13 different prescription medications and pain meds to deal with the side-effects.
I finally decided enough was enough. I didn’t want to feel awful every day for the rest of my life. I’m only in my 50s, and my husband and I have a lot of things we want to do. Someone from up above must have been looking out for me. During one of my chiropractic appointments for back pain with Dr. Kim Keeling from Sports & Spinal Wellness, she recommended that I make an appointment to see Coach Patty.
I began working with Patty one-on-one. I was so ready for change and soaked up everything she taught me. Patty’s 12 Steps to Better Health program taught me to think about food as medicine and so many other things. She shared her philosophy about self-care as the new healthcare, which resonated with me. I abandoned the lazy notion of taking pills to fix my problems and adopted a positive attitude that my health is my responsibility. Bandaids are not the solution and will not get to the root of the problem. And that’s how my transformation began.
What is life like now?
My self-image has improved and I see myself as a vivacious, strong, and fun woman with lots of energy to do things and experience more fun in my life. I became religious about goal-setting and created a plan with Patty that I’m sticking to. I’m taking Empowered Pilates classes at Sports & Spinal Wellness, replacing soda with water, and preparing healthy meals at home -just to name a few. Pilates, Coach Patty, and I - have made the perfect trio!
As I lost weight and got stronger, my symptoms started going away. With the approval of my doctors, I’m down to only taking five medications. I have lost 45 pounds and have kept it off for a year! I aim to lose 55 more pounds and am confident I’ll get there. Best of all, I’m driving again! My first big trip was to visit family in Pennsylvania. I can’t even tell you how amazing it felt.
If you’re stuck and don’t know where to turn, make an appointment with Coach Patty - and get your life back!”
~Kellie
If you’re looking for some extra support to help with your health and wellness goals, I would love to talk with you! You know the challenges of trying to make healthy changes on your own can be exhausting and overwhelming.
As a Certified Nutrition Health Coach and RN, MSN, I work with clients in private one-on-one sessions or group workshops. My goal is to help people get their lives back by working together to create positive change in their health and well-being. Go ahead and sign up for a free 45-minute consultation and we’ll talk about your situation. You can also hit reply to this email or call my cell at (518) 221-9923.
Get out and enjoy these beautiful summer days!
Coach Patty 🍀