Guest Testimonial: Linda & Vince Ferrigno

By Linda Ferrigno
When we go on vacation, we come back needing a vacation. Not at Hilton Head Health. We come back feeling MARVELOUS! We love it so much; we brought our three adult daughters with us last time. It was the best vacation ever.

My sweet husband is Italian and he is so much FUN. We celebrate every holiday, vacation, and social occasion with food. Dinners with friends and family were three or more hours of eating, drinking, and laughing. We tried diets and joined health clubs but the waistlines kept expanding. Everything we tried was just a temporary fix. We were going out smiling, but if we didn't change our ways, we were going out soon.

Hilton Head Health changed our lives. We have smaller waistlines, lower cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and body fat percentages. The change is so much deeper than all of these wonderful numbers. Through the classes we learned about the science and psychology of staying fit. We are preparing delicious, healthy food at home and no one would ever label any of it “diet food”.

The active life is becoming our life. I ran my first race in over 20 years at H3 and since coming home have done more. I walked a million steps in less than 90 days with an amazing tracking device they helped me discover. My husband has a bad knee. He learned things he COULD do, like water classes, fit ball, and an amazing NuStep machine in their gym. For the first time in our lives, we are part of our own team. It isn't “us against them” like it was most of our lives.

The staff is so nice! They know your name. They care and it shows. No matter what stands in your way, they are there to help you find a way over, under, around, and through the obstacle. When you ask a question, they really listen. If they don’t know the answer, they tell you the truth and go to find the real answer. No egos, just love and support. H3 is a little piece of heaven. To say we love it would be a huge understatement!

H3's Meal Plan from a Guest's Perspective

Not only does today mark our 237^th year as an independent country, but today marks the 4 month anniversary of one of our beloved guests, Brian G.  This makes for a special 4^th of July, especially after numerous guests (including Brian) completed and conquered the local Firecracker 5k on the island this morning.  Four months ago today, Brian weighed in at 349 pounds.  Today, he is 85 lbs. lighter!!  His commitment to the meal plan and making the most out of his stay is something I admire as well as being a great model for any guests that gets an opportunity to talk with him.  I decided to ask Brian a few questions about H3’s meal plan and how it has helped him get to 261 lbs.  Enjoy reading J

Q1:   What 3 main things about H3’s meal plan make it so special?

1.  “The variety, flavor and portion control.  All the food is so fresh and filling.  For the calories, you get more than what you think you would get.  What they can do with the vegetables and minimal salt is amazing.  They turn something boring into flavorful masterpieces.”

Q2:  What is your favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner at H3?

1.  “For breakfast, the apple muesli… lunch is a tough one to answer…either the turkey burger or pita pizza.  For dinner, hands down the chicken cordon bleu.”

Q3:  How have the Chef’s Tables enhanced our dining experience?

1. “I have lost 85 lbs. and have managed to attend every Chef’s Table offered.  It is great to see first-hand how gourmet meals can be healthy.  It shows I can enjoy a little cheese, wine and the finest ingredients—all in moderation.”


2. b.      The picture above is from our Red, White and Blue sorbet—a mix of our strawberry, coconut and blackberry sorbets featured in our America By Three’s Chef’s Table. 

Q4:  Would you rather have the fresh salad bar (Wednesday’s lunch) with the peanut butter mousse as dessert or have our short ribs for Friday’s gourmet meal?

1. He definitely struggled answering this one, but he made his final decision with “short ribs at gourmet night…I’d have it every night if I could.”

Q5:  What one piece of advice would you tell an incoming guest?

1.  “Keep an open mind.  If you didn’t think you liked a particular food, such as fish, then leave that at the door.  You actually don’t need all the unnecessary fat and salt to have flavorful food.”

Q6:  What are 3 recipes you would make once you go home?

“Chicken parmesan, peanut butter hummus and the apple muesli.”

Get H3 Inspired: Sue Ellen Sherer

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Struggling with weight issues has been the norm for most of my life, but I always managed to have good numbers where cholesterol and blood pressure were concerned. Then in October 2009, my father-in-law, for whom I was the primary caretaker, fell and fractured his pelvis and was sent to a nursing home for recovery. Because of his advanced dementia, he was denied routine physical therapy and I knew I needed to be his strongest advocate…he wanted to walk, he wanted to recover, even though he was unable to verbalize it. I moved with him into a handicapped accessible room at a hotel and used the weight room and pool facilities to exercise him and give him back his mobility. After five weeks, he was able to return to assisted living but I was totally unaware of the toll it had taken on me, personally, until I was back at my part-time job as a standardized (professional) patient.

One afternoon I had two different third-year medical students practicing their physical exam techniques tell me that I had high blood pressure. Thinking that they had not used the blood pressure cuff correctly, I went to the doctor in charge of the training and asked him to take my blood pressure. It was 168! Before I even left the building I was on the phone to my own primary care physician making an appointment. In addition to the high blood pressure, I had gained about 20-25 pounds during those five weeks. I have always been a stress eater, or eating that which was convenient and my closet always held at least four different sizes of clothing and I would just grab whatever fit at the time.

I knew I had to do something to take care of me at this point and went online in search of somewhere I could go to get my weight down. With my husband’s support and blessing, I made arrangements to spend a week at Hilton Head Health (H3) in January of 2010, with no idea at all how drastically it was going to change my life.

I had never exercised regularly; not really exercised at all since gym class in high school! The first class I went to at H3, I thought I was going to have to be scraped up off the floor! But through the continual encouragement of the staff and other participants, I began to try all kinds of exercise classes and was actually having fun! I laughed along with others as I stumbled through Zumba with two left feet; I sweated alongside newly made acquaintances as we labored hard on the treadmills. I always tell people that it is as much about the mind and spirit as it is about the physical changes that take place. H3 provides an atmosphere that nourishes all three parts: education for the mind, exercise for the body, food for the soul and time enough to reflect on putting it all together.

As a Christian woman wanting to take better care of the temple wherein God's Holy Spirit dwells I wanted to be a more fit testimony of His love and care. By taking care of myself, I am better able to take care of my family, be as healthy as I can possibly be so I can 'run the good race' and enjoy my children, and someday...my grandchildren!

The educational sessions provided such an excellent foundation and impetus to work towards making life-long changes. I was given exercises that could be done anywhere with minimal equipment. Cooking classes showed me some different ways to cook that would be healthier and use less fat. (May I just say that H3 does a fantastic job of making 1,200 calories look and taste like a gourmet feast!)

I lost several pounds while at H3, but more importantly, I came home with a new vision and goal towards my own health. I began to check out different exercise videos from the public library and tried several until I found ones that I liked. Now I have pretty much settled on two groups of videos: one for strength training and the other for cardio exercise. I do them in my own home and keep track on a goals chart. I began to use a free online calorie and fitness program to track my daily eating and exercise, and most importantly, gathered a few close friends to join in my endeavors and we daily encourage one another with comments.

The weight did not come off quickly, but over time I have managed to take off 43 pounds and 23 inches by eating sensibly, exercising six days a week, and gathering a supportive group of friends to encourage one another. I feel better now than when I was much younger and I am still amazed when I shop for clothing that I am buying smaller and smaller sizes. Is that really my size now?!

As a primary caregiver for someone else (my mother, now that my father-in-law has passed away), we can often tend to take care of everyone else's needs and health concerns before we take care of ourselves. By making healthy lifestyle changes and exercising regularly, I have found that the stress and tension that at times weighed so heavily on my shoulders, have been reduced exponentially. When I feel better, I am better able to tend to the needs of the ones under my care. It’s a Win-Win solution.

Thank you H3 for inspiring me to ‘run the good race!’

Sue Ellen Sherer; Rochester, NY

Get H3 Inspired: Stephanie Sifrit

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[caption id="attachment_9665" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Stephanie After"][/caption]

The Light Bulb

One day, I found myself talking among friends telling them I still had the “baby weight” to lose. My friend asked, “How old is your baby?” I said, “three years.” I look back on that and think “Wow! What a bad excuse!” When my little three-year-old turned ten, I was still in the same condition. I found myself crying, feeling loathsome, and insecure. I desperately needed a push start on healthier living, so I committed one month of my life to Hilton Head Health (H3).

The Decision

Planning to spend one month away from my family took some organization. I made my reservation and had sixty days to prepare. The big problem I faced was in those sixty days I kept second-guessing my decision. I kept thinking, “I can’t do this!” “This is insane!” On and on I went with more excuses as to why I couldn’t take care of myself and had to be a good mom and put everyone else before myself. The major dilemma to those rationalizations is an unhealthy mom is not a good provider, example, or encouragement to her children. Therefore, I carried on with my plan, packed my car, including my bicycle, and headed out to a new goal: a new me!

The Right Environment

I have never been so comfortable in a new environment, among strangers, than when I was at H3. From the moment I got there, (wow, I can still smell the lobby, and it makes me smile) I was engaged in being a better me. The whole environment marinates in success. The H3 routine was rigorous but not too much. I woke up at 6 am every morning to join the group for the beach walk. What a magnificent way to start a day of better living. Next came breakfast and a thermo-walk. How I miss those! Seriously! Everyone gets up from the table and walks down to the “reflector tree.” It’s a parade of your newest and best friends working together to be healthier people. That feeling is at the core of the H3 experience; you are never on this journey by yourself. There is always someone beside you edging you along and keeping you focused on your goal.

The New Beginning

With the help of Hilton Head Health, I managed to lose almost 30 pounds. Although my weight still fluctuates, I know it’s time to get back in H3 mode when I go outside of my comfort range.  H3 teaches you how to make “good, better, [and the] best” of choices out on your own. You learn skills to help you stay focused. You breathe in new life and become a better you. I kid you not; just writing this letter reminds me of the “best” choice I made: going to Hilton Head Health.

Stephanie Sifrit; Bradenton, FL

Get ‘H3 Inspired’: Mimi and Phil Drew

It has been a year since my husband, Phil, and I went to Hilton Head Health (H3) to change our lifestyle (December 2011) – and we’ve been singing H3’s praises ever since! To date, Phil’s lost 50 pounds and I’ve lost 45 — and we are continuing to lose! We are moving through clothing sizes at a rapid rate and it’s great to be going in the right direction!! My cholesterol is down 40 points and I have reduced my Lipitor from 20mg to 10mg daily and may be off it entirely after my annual physical.

Upon arriving to H3, I was afraid we would spend a week there and not learn anything we didn't know (but just weren't doing). That couldn't have been further from the truth. We learned weight loss tools that have helped us in all aspects of life - from dining out to exercise; we’ve been able to incorporate H3’s weight loss rules in our daily routine to achieve lasting success. For example, who knew that weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise? Who knew that restaurants "steam" their vegetables in BUTTER? Or if you know your metabolic calorie range, you can know exactly how many calories you can consume to still lose weight?

As far as exercise is concerned, we were already in the gym an hour a day but adding an extra half hour and actually sweating has worked wonders!

Since returning home, we’ve enjoyed celebrations, holidays and trips while maintaining our weight loss. For example, last Valentine’s Day, Phil and I had a wonderful dinner that fit within our 350 calorie count; it included grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, homemade chocolate dipped strawberries (16 cal each) and homemade lemon meringue cookies (23 cal each), PLUS champagne (100 cal). A true feast and we counted everything without feeling like we cheated on our diet or feeling deprived. Many of the recipes I found on Hilton Head Health’s blog, H3Daily.com, and the rest I was able to figure out from the cooking tips learned during our visit.

Sharing Success: Matthew Brown

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During 2011, my weight took on new highs, my health sunk to new lows and my doctors had me go through the preliminary classes and tests for bariatric bypass surgery. I had been repeatedly told by everyone I spoke to that this was probably my last chance for a healthy life. Without a radical turnaround in my lifestyle, my diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, venous insufficiency, edema and morbid obesity had me facing an early grave. My wife and I had accepted the surgery as my only option, and we began planning a nice get away to Tortola before starting the final pre-op stage.  The week before Thanksgiving, depression set in as I figured it might be my last holiday season. Then out of the blue, my wife Donna informed me that she had changed our vacation plans and we were going to a place called Hilton Head Health, a weight loss spa. She told me I needed to have a check-up and get clearance from my primary physician to go. When I told my doctor about our plans, he said “Diet and exercise? Go!”

We arrived at H3, greeted by our personal concierge, Keila. Keila told me that not only was I worth it, but she could see it in my eyes, I could do this. She was a constant support throughout our stay, helping us schedule everything we needed, even giving us rides when we couldn’t find one.

We were weighed in - I was 490 pounds and Donna was 268 pounds.

We went thru the H3 schedule and decided we would split up for the lectures to make sure we took advantage of everything we could during our ten-day stay. All the classes were informative, but Lisette Volz and Bob Wright stood out the most, with “Mindful Eating”, “Reading the Labels”, “Having a Plan”, “Writing a Menu”, “How to Deal with the Food Talk and Slips” being just a few of the topics they tackled.

The exercise classes were amazing - I didn’t think it was possible for someone my size to do this stuff, but I was willing to try, and here it is one year later and I’m still trying and succeeding. We set up personal consultations, my wife Donna with Lisette and I with Executive Chef Jen Welper. Both gave us the knowledge and motivation we needed to take home with us to make the H3 Healthy Lifestyle work in our lives.

When I was told how many calories I would eat a day I didn’t believe I could survive, but I was willing to try. How wrong I was! The food was excellent in my professional opinion (I have been a chef for over 25 years, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1988).  Even the wait staff took a personal interest in us, making sure we had not only what we needed, but making us feel pampered too. We made sure to take advantage of the pool as often as possible, for free time as well as exercise, and as a reward, we ended each day with an amazing massage from either Mark or Whitney.

Leaving was not easy, but thanks to the staff of H3 we had the tools we needed to succeed.

When we got home we cleaned out the cupboards and refrigerators. The very next morning we shopped from the list we made in Lisette’s class. We’ve had our slips and have learned that’s OK - it’s natural considering our lifestyle before H3.  We are both healthier, happier and lighter than we’ve been since we got married in 2002.  Neither I nor my doctors can believe the results I’ve had thus far – WITHOUT weight loss medication or gastric operations. I saw my Primary Physician on June 22^nd, six months after leaving H3. Incredibly, I was told I was no longer diabetic, although the diagnosis will be left on my chart for two years before being taken off. My weight is now 297 pounds, down 193 pounds since leaving H3.

When I arrived at H3 I struggled to walk from the taxi to the building. Now, my wife and I walk and jog on a regular basis. My edema has reduced significantly. I no longer feel that this may be my last year, but that this is the beginning of many more to come, with opportunities that I did not and could not dream of before. H3 is truly a life changing and lifesaving program that I will never ever forget.

[caption id="attachment_9087" align="alignright" width="420" caption="Matthew after visiting Hilton Head Health"][/caption]

Update: In Januray 2013, Matthew was pleased to announce that he has now lost 193 pounds since his initial visit to Hilton Head Health.

Get H3 Inspired: Karen McCarty-This Place Rocks

Here's a treat from Karen McCarty! You may have seen Kerrie's testimonial video on the H3 website, but today she'd like to update you on some of the progress she's made since visiting H3 in 2011. Thanks for sharing, Kerrie. We're so proud of you!

Hello!

After my three-week stay at Hilton Head Health (H3) in 2011, I knew I would visit again and this year I returned for the last two weeks in June. I saw so many familiar friends that I met from last year, it turned into a great reunion!

I’m thrilled with the success I’ve experienced from my visits to H3, which has made it easier to stay motivated and on track with my meal and exercise plans. To date, I’ve lost 12% of my weight and my glucose levels remain in the Normal range. By adopting H3 healthy lifestyle changes, I’ve learned to manage my diabetes without taking medication. I’ve seen a significant improvement this year compared to 2011.

But a vacation at H3 is more than a return to health. It’s a return to our childhood! Where else do you find 20 adults on “noodles” in the pool, belting out oldies as we move and groove? Or taking a bike ride, playing golf, or kayaking? And don’t even get me started on Zumba in the Pool or Wii Dance!

The food and cooking classes are fabulous and the new H3 Healthy Kitchen is beautiful, with a large display screen so we can see everything the Chefs are preparing (my favorites are Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Peach-Chili Sauce and Eggplant Caponata).

They are constantly updating the program with new exercise classes and seminars. “Creating a Wellness Vision” and “Mastering Motivation” are two of my new favorites. The staff at H3 are brilliant at what they do, and they give us the tools to take home with us to ensure our success.

All I can say is, This place rocks.

-Kerrie McCarty, Portland, Oregon

If you'd like to pay it forward and share your Hilton Head Health story, please contact Alicea Glover at aglover@hhhealth.com.

Sharing Success: Jennifer Allerton

Jennifer Allerton has been a regular guest at Hilton Head Health for 10 years, soaking up plenty of information about nutrition and fitness and always enjoying her stay. But for all the knowledge she obtained, putting it into practice in her daily life continued to be a struggle.

“Over the years, you develop unconsciously all the behaviors and ways of doing things that make up your lifestyle. And because life is happening, you often don’t have the time or energy to reflect on what that lifestyle is doing to you,” she said.

Upon retirement from a prestigious career which entailed extensive international travel, Jennifer was determined to lose the excess weight she was carrying and get healthy once and for all. Motivated by the activities she wanted to participate in and the clothes she wished to wear, as an investment in her success, she signed up for H3@Home Coaching and began what has truly been a metamorphosis.

Jennifer admits it took some time to establish her new habits. “For the first three months of coaching, it was like, ‘Yeah, I know. But I can’t do that because…’ That’s why I needed to continue—to realize that I can do something about this and this is what I’m going to do about it.”

She continued in the coaching program for another three months, taking it a step at a time and turning the corner toward the life she envisioned.

“You have to change your lifestyle,” she said. “There’s no silver bullet. I had to make a thousand small changes in the way I do things—all those things you do automatically to get you through the day have to be re-examined and modified or changed completely. It is hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

The result? Over the past 15 months, Jennifer has lost 65 pounds and gained a heck of a lot of energy and confidence along the way. Persistence has paid off. The endorphins have kicked in and the compliments keep coming.

“In the beginning, although you may see the changes, other people may not notice. So you don’t get that external feedback of people saying, ‘Wow.’ After about six months, people start to notice. And then the things that you wanted to do but haven’t been able to do all suddenly become possible,” she said.

“There are no shortcuts. You have to do the cooking and the shopping and the exercise…you’ve got to fix it bit-by-bit. And when you do, it’s great! There’s no going back. You just feel so good.

“I’m not sure what my end weight will be. I still have lots of behaviors I can tweak that should lead to further weight loss. I expect I will find the weight I can live at when I have changed all the behaviors I am willing to change. But I am sure it will be at a weight that makes me look great in Armani and lets me play tennis and go cross-country skiing!”

How did H3@Home Coaching impact your success?
“I need some external accountability. The weekly discussions over Skype with Coach Linda made me plan each week in detail—what I would be doing and how I would deal with challenging situations. For me, that’s been the most important part of coaching is to keep that day-to-day, week-to-week focus. I know what to do. It’s the doing that’s the issue, and coaching forces me to think about what I will do in concrete terms.”

What advice would you give to others who are considering home coaching?
“Having worked with an executive coach in the business world, I’m a big fan of coaching, and I do think it works. I highly recommend it, and particularly for people who are here for a relatively short period of time. You can’t learn it all in a week or two weeks. You need ongoing support.”

[caption id="attachment_8824" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Jennifer After"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_8823" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Jennifer Before"][/caption]

Get H3 Inspired: Kerry Seiberlich

There were times when I really didn’t think I could handle life anymore. It was almost normal for me on my way to work to seriously consider how much damage hitting the freeway barrier at 70 mph would do, and whether or not the impact would kill me. A lot of the time, I hoped it would. 

I never got to the point of actually following through on these thoughts (thank goodness), but the fact that they even existed were a serious indicator that I needed a change. It wasn’t until almost a year later that the truth of it hit me – I was extremely unhealthy, extremely unhappy, and so lost that I didn’t even know how to begin to fix it. A close friend of mine recommended that I get the heck out of dodge. “Blow this popsicle stand,” he said. We spent some time brainstorming and eventually the idea of a health retreat came up. We got online, and Health Head Health’s website was professional, informative, and well-designed; it immediately caught my eye. 

From there, it only took about three weeks until I was signed up and headed south for H3’s Extended & Intensive (E/I) program. I was terrified. I didn’t know… well, anything. What to expect, whether I would be able to last the full 14 weeks, or even what kind of a social life I would be able to find.  The fact that I had been pretty overweight since early childhood – I distinctly remember being called “a fat alien” by some meaner classmates the one and only time I ever wore pigtails to school – only made the idea of ever making friends that would understand my situation seem outlandish.

I moved in, met the staff, and gradually started to make friends. I won’t lie - the first few weeks were pretty difficult. My depression and obesity made waking in the morning a really difficult task for me, but by the time I hit my one month ‘anniversary’ at H3, I was springing out of bed in the mornings, actively looking for new things to try, and, for the first time in years, feeling good about who I was and where I was headed. I had finally made a good decision about my health. 

I began to open up about the darker parts of my recent past to Amber, H3 Fitness Specialist, who I had chosen as my coach and fitness trainer, and to Lisette, H3 Director of Behavioral Health, with whom I had bi-weekly personal counseling sessions. I told them about everything: the suicidal thoughts, the depression, the drugs, and the awful relationship I had with my family – particularly my mother.  Being able to talk about these things was so refreshing. I wasn’t lying any more. I didn’t feel guilty or ashamed, and in this liberation I found a new kind of recovery. It wasn’t only my physical being that convalesced, but my state of mind as well.

I journaled. I participated in workshops. I went to the seminars and cooking classes. I discovered and nurtured a love of yoga. I kept track of my weight loss. After a month at H3, my mother was inspired enough by my success to participate in the program with me for several weeks. Background: my mother and I had essentially been strangers living in the same house for almost ten years. Even just the idea of it was so intimidating - four weeks of living with just her and doing all the same things every day. I really was expecting the worst but the program ended up only bringing us closer together. Now, barely six months after I enrolled in the program, we get along and support each other rather than pushing and pulling in opposite directions.  

So, two months in – I was happier, healthier, and healing relationships I wouldn’t have ever expected to be able to fix.  Problems were bound to arise at some point, though. I ended a long-term relationship around this time, and a few weeks after that I injured my foot badly enough that I was completely laid up for a week, and in pain for more than a month afterwards. It was so frustrating. My weight loss plateaued and I began to doubt again – what was I going to do once I got home? Would I even be able to maintain the progress I’d made? This was where the friends I’d made within the E/I program and the H3 staff really kept me going. It was so nice to have a support system of people that truly believed in me and pushed me to do better—even if that sometimes meant actually resting my injury rather than pushing myself out of frustration and ultimately making it worse. 

By the time my 14 weeks were up, I had lost nearly 30 inches from my total measurements and 16% of my starting body weight. I was ready to go home and truly feeling confident about what I could accomplish. About a month after I left H3, I hit the 20% mark. Very recently, I got on the scale and, for the first time in years, saw a “1” at the beginning of the number. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to myself for making the decision and following through, and how grateful I am to H3 for helping me begin my journey.

-Kerry Seiberlich; Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Get H3 Inspired: Leigh

I am 49 years old. I have been overweight my entire life. This is very difficult to write about because it is very personal. I have been generally successful in everything I have done in my life that is important (such as, I have a wonderful family and a great career); the exception of my success has always been my repeated failure at weight loss. This has caused me enormous frustration and heartache over the years. Beginning in my early teens until I came to H3 last September, I tried every diet and failed miserably over and over again. Making it more difficult for me to succeed at weight loss is that my husband is a gourmet chef and everything he cooks includes butter and cream. Everything he cooks is so delicious and sadly, I loved great food and hated exercise.

Last September [2011] I went to Hilton Head Health. At that time, my only exercise was walking from my car in my office’s garage to my office. In addition, my lifestyle was very unhealthy. I have a stressful job and I worked about 70-75 hours a week, slept maybe 5-6 hours per night, and only ate one meal a day. This combination was my recipe for being overweight and unhealthy (and probably a recipe for an eventual heart attack). When I arrived at H3, all my blood tests (cholesterol, diabetes, etc) were in the high range, just a bit over, but still over the “high” mark. My doctor wasn’t overly concerned except that he was worried about pre-diabetes. I decided that I needed to diet and needed a “kick start” to a diet. All I wanted to do was lose 20 pounds since I understood from Adam in one of his seminars that losing 10% of body weight would result in significant health improvements. (Yes, I was over 200 pounds at that time, which is now very hard to believe.)

During my first week (of two that I stayed at H3) I met Jeff. He was leading Treading. I happened to select a treadmill in front of Jeff (he had not arrived when I selected my treadmill). I thought I was going to die in the class or at least have a heart attack. I asked Jeff if he knew CPR. I will never forget that hour … Jeff was yelling, in an encouraging way, at the class and doing all kinds of crazy stunts but between all that craziness, he was talking to me very softly and compassionately. He was encouraging and telling me what to do so I could keep going. By some miracle, I finished the class (albeit on a very remedial level). Because I took the treading class, I started training with Jeff. It was hard, he pushed me and he was very tough on me. It is what I needed. I decided to train with him two more times and never tried another trainer.I left H3 and Jeff was my H3 at Home health coach. Health coaching started in early October 2011 after I left H3.

Get H3 Inspired: Ken Gourley

It's been exactly one month ago today [Jan. 2012] that I left Hilton Head Health (H3) to fly back to San Francisco but the added time perspective gives me an even greater appreciation for all of the wonderful things that I learned while being at H3. I felt like the two weeks I spent there were like a gift of getting a small slice of my youth back.

The challenge now, however, is how to incorporate what I learned at H3 into how to apply those good habits back into my daily reality and routine here at home. My own self-assessment is this:  I've been doing much better (as compared to my horrible eating & exercise habits that were occurring prior to arriving at H3). Yes, I'll have to be honest and admit to recently gaining a couple of those lost pounds back; but whenever I've asked myself a few soul-searching questions, I find the answers encouraging...

Q:  Am I leading a more active lifestyle than before my two weeks at H3?

A:  Yes, most definitely!

Q:  Am I more aware of my eating habits, including being more conscious whenever indulging in "Unwise" food choices?

A:  Yes—in fact, sometimes I've been able to successfully change an "Unwise" food choice into a "Better" category decision by being more aware of what I'm doing.

Q:  Am I still having trouble with my portion control?

A:  Unfortunately yes, but here again there is still some good news to report in this area, too:  I'm at least not over-indulging as much or as often as before my H3 experience!

In other words, I feel I caught the "spirit" of H3, so-to-speak, at succeeding to make some modest improvements happen in my everyday goal of having a healthier life.

I never thought I'd ever say this, as prior to being at H3, I had little or no familiarity with the state of South Carolina; but here are my thoughts nowadays about your beautiful state: Do you know that famous old Tony Bennett song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco?"   Well, after my two week experience at Hilton Head Health, I now feel like I've left a piece of my heart in South Carolina, too!!

-Ken Gourley, San Francisco, CA

Visit the H3 website for more weight loss success stories. If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail Alicea Glover at aglover@hhhealth.com. Put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.

Lyle's Path to Losing 100 Pounds

Last week, Lyle Orr visited Hilton Head Health and gave a presentation on his path to adapting a healthy lifestyle. One year ago, Lyle gave this Get H3 Inspired testimonial and since then has taken off on his weight loss journey. Watch parts 1 and 2 of Lyle's presentation below and you will truly be inspired.

Part 1



 

Part 2

 

To view his entire presentation, visit the official Hilton Head Health YouTube channel or check out other features on Lyle's weight loss success:

Lyle's orginal H3 video testimonail on YouTube

Lyle's Sharing Success blog post

 

Get H3 Inspired—Darlene Beilfuss

 
My weight loss journey started last Christmas. I made a trip to California to visit my family and friends and it had been about 4 years since they had seen me. The trip was miserable.  I was embarrassed about my weight gain and my appearance. Arthritis had crept into what seemed every joint of my body and was a constant reminder that every step was painful. Everyday life had become a burden I could no longer endure. I was stuck in a downward spiral. I felt helpless and hopeless. Everyone was concerned for my health. At 55-years-old I was unable to enjoy life and participate in anything I once enjoyed. Where to go from here I wondered? There has to be something out there that can save my life.

After returning home, I started watching the Heavy series that was running on the A&E network. I watched every episode multiple times and became convinced that Hilton Head Health was my answer. I spent hours on their website and finally got the courage to call and ask about the H3 Extended & Intensive 6-month program. I spoke to Jessica Noble who quickly calmed me down and explained in detail about the program and assured me that I could do it and be successful. All I had to do was get there.  After gathering my courage and my family’s support, I made the call back to Jessica and committed to the 6-month program.

My first day at H3 was May 23, 2011. My weight was dangerously high and my health assessment numbers were not good either. High blood pressure, high sugar, high resting pulse and my measurements were that of a very large box! Helpless and hopeless was replaced with helpful and hopeful for the first time in years! From that first day I was surrounded with constant support, encouragement and the chance to focus on myself and getting my health back. Everyone there was completely invested in my success. They were all committed to helping me help myself. From the outstanding lectures on healthy lifestyle, the amazing food and so many different exercise classes to choose from, I was in it for the long haul and gave it my all. I worked out with Amy, Amber and Katie more hours than I can count but worth every minute.  Being totally committed to the program allowed me to replace my bad habits with healthy ones. Eating and physical activity was only part of it. I had to learn to love myself again. That’s where my life coach Bob Wright and therapist Beth stepped in.  Weekly sessions are part of the H3 Intensive program and were instrumental in me changing the way I felt about myself. I got rid of all the negative self-talk that played over and over in my head. As the numbers dropped on the scale, my mobility increased tenfold. I was swimming, riding a bike, doing all kinds of exercise classes, not to mention doing all of those things pain free! From eating the healthy fresh food and participating in the fitness classes, my arthritis had disappeared. That in itself was dramatic and life changing.

At my final weigh in [after 3-months onsite] I had dropped 50 pounds. My size 26/28 exercise clothes were long gone and replaced with size 18! My blood pressure was normal, blood sugar was out of the pre-diabetes danger zone, and my resting pulse went down from 86 to 74. My daughter  joined me for my last week there and seeing how proud she was of my accomplishments made it all worth it. I like to say I left enough sweat and tears to fill the pool at H3, but what I took away was life changing. My husband is so proud of me. He got his wife back and says I look 10 years younger. I certainly feel ten years younger. There are no restrictions on life anymore. I get up in the morning and look at the possibilities; a far cry from counting the hours down until I would be forced to get something done. My H3 journey continued on for 3 more months as I participated in the H3@Home Coaching program. My coach Amy was there every step of the way ensuring my success continued. Since being home I have been able to lose 15 more pounds. I joined a great gym and work out regularly. I walked in my first 5K, have done lots of biking and swimming too. This fall I spent hiking in the beautiful Kentucky Red River Gorge area.

What a difference a year can make. We just got home from a week in Cancun, Mexico. This was our family vacation that had been on hold for years, waiting for me to lose weight and get in shape. There are no words to describe how great I felt doing everything my family wanted to without any restrictions; no sitting on the sidelines watching anymore. I went bicycling, swimming, visited the ancient Mayan ruins, even went snorkeling and it was all amazing!

Without my time at H3 none of this would have been possible, I am sure of that. If you are looking for an answer, look no further. Go to H3 and Get Inspired; it’s never too late to change your life.

-Darlene Beilfuss; Fisherville, KY

Get H3 Inspired - Barbara Basel

[caption id="attachment_6860" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Barbara in Hilton Head, 2009"][/caption]

Flying back to New Jersey from Kansas, I was reading a magazine and came across an article on the best places to kick start your weight loss program.  Up to that point, I had tried every weight loss program but continued to be on the weight loss rollercoaster; I was unfit, overweight and very unhappy.  In other words, I needed help and Hilton Head Health seemed like it was just the ticket. 

In making the decision to visit H3, I had to overcome my fear of exercising with other people.  Exercise classes were not my cup of tea, but group exercise was far less scary than living with diabetes for the rest of my life. 

To my relief, the staff and clients were non-judgmental and I quickly realized that we all shared the same goals, strength and weaknesses making yoga classes not as terrifying as I feared.  I had two wonderful roommates and by the end of our two week stay, the new guests thought we were sisters. 

I was amazed that after two weeks, my cholesterol and blood sugar readings were in the healthy ranges – I am convinced it was all thanks to the “eye opener oatmeal.” 

Upon returning home, Bob’s messages about being committed to making a change, “if nothing changes, nothing changes,” and making “unwise, better or best” choices have helped me to me navigate the challenges of over-working and emotional eating. 

My biggest challenge was to keep up with strength training at home but I found a class at my gym that helped me to stay motivated. In addition, I hired a trainer in Princeton too so I can continue working on the Pilates Reformer.  I never would have thought that I, being afraid of group fitness before attending H3, would now not only feel comfortable in group fitness classes but would enjoy them so much that they have now become an intricate part of my new healthy way of life.

Best of all, I love returning to my new home at H3 and am looking forward to my fifth year in the near future. 

Barbara Basel – Painsboro, NJ

Get H3 Inspired: Dale Bornstein

[caption id="attachment_5892" align="alignright" width="420" caption="H3 Roommates! Mary Kruse (right) and Dale (left)"][/caption]

 

I think I truly underestimated what stress can do to one’s mind and body. For the past two years, I was living in what I called “a perfect storm” – the combination of working full time in a senior leadership role at a global public relations firm, raising a pre-schooler with special challenges and heading into my late 40s with hormones dancing in all directions.

In February, I hit bottom. I found myself 35 pounds heavier than my usual adult weight and it was having a serious impact on my ability to function day to day and also manage my chronic health issues.  

No matter what I tried, I couldn’t make change stick. That’s when I realized I needed to get away. I needed to be able to wake up each day and make my health my priority.

Once I made up my mind, I got to work researching the possibilities and that’s when I found H3. 

For me, it was a big decision. If I was going to take precious time away from my family and my work, I needed to make sure that this would be the right place for me. I scoured the website, talked to Michelle and other H3 consultants and even connected with some folks who had just returned from the program. And as they all raved about the program and the people, I kept thinking, “this just can’t be as good as they say.” But everyone was right. This was among the best experiences of my life and the greatest gift I have ever given to myself.

Get H3 Inspired: Andy Fowler

It was April 15, 2010. I knew I had been gaining weight, but when I stepped on the scale, I was just under 275 pounds – AGAIN! For a 6 foot man who is too close to 60 years old, that is not good! I was not just disappointed, I was devastated! My whole life has been a series of diets – you name it, I’ve tried it. I’ve successfully lost weight, but I have never successfully kept it off. It was time to take some major action!

I got on the Internet and started to search for what I will affectionately refer to as a “Fat Camp” for adults (admit it; you’ve thought the same thing!). I went through several “advertisements,” but there was something different about Hilton Head Health. Not sure what it was, but maybe it was the concept that I needed to make a lifestyle change and concentrate on the healthy aspects of weight control. Maybe – but maybe it was also the fact that it was one of the more reasonably priced programs, and I could drive there from Memphis! Whatever the reason, I now categorize this as the second best decision of my life (asking my wife to marry me will always be the best!).

I booked an all-inclusive two week stay there.  What do you get for that? Well, the easiest and simplest thing is this—you stay in a very nice condo on Hilton Head Island (that alone would cost at least $200 plus a night!); you get three outstanding (yes OUTSTANDING) meals a day prepared by professional chefs –not just “cooks,” and snacks that you will learn to refer to as “metabo-meals.”  That’s not all – you also get amazing classroom instruction by remarkably informative experts in the fields of nutrition, exercise physiology, etc., as well as a bevy of exercise classroom opportunities with professional, board-certified personal trainers from all over the place! I have always been intimidated by the Pilates, yoga, aerobic, Tai Chi, etc. classes they have in the gym at home. All of the participants there know what the language is, and what the next “move” is going to be. I felt like I would be totally out of step to join. Well, at Hilton Head Health, you will get to try those and several more! That alone was rewarding!

I learned what my resting metabolism rate is; I had a fitness assessment; I learned how to monitor my caloric intake and see the difference between what I burn versus what I ingest. I learned healthier food choices, and I learned that there are no “BAD” foods, as long as you use common sense and exercise moderation. I learned way too much to explain it all here!  Here’s the bottom line – I can tell you what it is like to jump in a pool and swim, but until you actually do it, you will never really know.

Oh yeah – so where am I at now - 5 months later? Great question – I started at 273 pounds. I was stretching out of a size 44 pant – had to buy a couple for 46’s to wear for work. I grew into an 18” collar shirt. Today – beginning of October 2010? I weigh 226 lbs. I have lost almost 50 lbs – but, when I had a body composition analysis done, I found out that I have also gained 28 pounds of muscle – so that’s about 75 pounds of fat –GONE! I went out to the store last night and decided I needed some jeans for the upcoming winter months (yes, it can get a bit chilly in Memphis, TN) – they are a size 36! I am stoked!!  My advice? JUMP IN THE POOL! Sign up today!

Andy Fowler

If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail us at getinspired@hhhealth.com! Make sure to put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.

Get H3 Inspired: Debbie Poole

Our most recent Get H3 Inspired story comes to you in the form of a letter.  We received this email recently and asked Debbie if we could share it with you.  

Dear Bob,

I returned home a little over a week ago from my first visit to Hilton Head Health and I just want to say “THANK YOU” to all of your associates.

My experience surpassed my expectations.  The exercise classes were wonderful!  I really enjoyed all the classes I had with Louis, she does such a wonderful job of challenging everyone, with an awareness for the many levels throughout the class.  Amber’s Treading class was new to me, but I’m definitely going to look for a gym that has it, or use the “cheat sheet” provided by you and do it myself.

When I was looking into Hilton Head Health I thought the educational classes would be okay, but I wasn’t all that excited about them.  I can say they were my FAVORITE part of my experience.  The passion of all the instructors is contagious.

I have been able to come home and make small changes that are making a difference.  My scales show I have lost 9 pounds from my beginning weight there.  My energy level is higher and I feel great.  My boss actually commented that I got my Mojo back.

I look forward to future visits for tune ups.

Sincerely,

Debbie Poole

If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail us at getinspired@hhhealth.com! Make sure to put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.

Monday Motivation: Get H3 Inspired with Tracy Rodgers

[caption id="attachment_3174" align="aligncenter" width="215" caption="Tracy Rodgers Before"][/caption]

 

My story is nothing new, really. I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. I'd try a diet and lose a few pounds, then gain them back (and then some!) when I went back to eating normally. For about a year, I gave up entirely. I was extremely overweight, and I knew it, and I hated it...but I just couldn't bring myself to do anything about it.

 

Finally, something broke. I'm not sure what prompted it, but I was tired of being embarrassed by my size and concerned about my health. I'm twenty-nine years old, and there was no way I was going to still feel like that when I turned thirty. I did some research online and started planning my trip to South Carolina.

 

When I arrived at Hilton Head Health on March 29, 2010, I weighed-in at 219.4 pounds, officially the largest I'd ever been. I spent a week at H3 (with my mom!). While I was there, I tried my first-ever yoga class and promptly fell in love. I learned new ways to think about food and health, to really pay attention to the things I put into my body.  And most importantly, I think, through my time there, I finally made a real commitment to myself to make the changes I'd been putting off for so long.

 

Four months after leaving Hilton Head Health, I weigh 175, just shy of 45 pounds less than I did when I arrived. The changes in myself are incredible. I read labels on everything. I don't drink soda. I cook more now than I ever did before. I take spin classes, pilates, zumba aerobics. I'm even training for my first 5K.

 

I still have weight left to lose, but I know Hilton Head Health gave me the tools I need to succeed! I plan on returning later this year for another week of fun and fitness, and I can't wait. See you there!

 

--Tracy Rodgers

 

 

For more stories like Tracy's, click here.    If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail us at getinspired@hhhealth.com! Make sure to put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.

Get H3 Inspired: Patricia Andrade

Every week here at H3, we have the privilege of being a part of a life changing experience.  Whether it’s someone finishing a 5K run, learning they love vegetables, or just realizing what’s really keeping them from achieving their weight loss goals – each accomplishment is one to celebrate. 

The camaraderie within the program speaks volumes on the importance of a support system when attempting to make changes in one’s lifestyle.  We are here to encourage you when you want get frustrated, angry and reach your breaking point.  We are here to motivate you when you just need an extra push to finish.  These stories are what keep us going – and we enjoy sharing them with you.

One of our most recent guests sent us this letter, which will hopefully inspire you as much as it did us. 

 

Patricia’s Story

My stay at H3 was an incredible experience. You have an amazing program and great team. I have learned so much from you guys that I will be very happy if I can bring a little of it to my everyday life. I have been to many places like this but all of them were so obsessed about the numbers on the scale that I would always leave feeling like the worst person in the world for not losing 10 lbs per week. For the first time, I am actually leaving feeling very proud of myself, and I can actually see how I can incorporate what I have learned. Even though I am only 22, I have been fighting weight for 10 years now and the main lesson I will take home with me is that “weight follows behavior.” I couldn’t phrase that better! For the first time, my goal is to change my behavior and not the scale. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for guiding me and preparing me for this journey that is only beginning.

When I first got here, I decided that I would choose my favorite instructor so I could say good things about them in this letter but this is just impossible. Your team is filled with great people and it would be unfair to say names!

Thank you Hilton Head Health team for my wonderful 3-week stay!

 

If you have a story you would like to share, email us!  We will feature you in our blog or in the next e-newsletter.