Would I live to see my four small children grow up, graduate and start lives of their own?
That question still haunts me to this day. That question is what made me start taking better care of myself. That question is why I lost more than 120 pounds.
My name is Gabriela Rosenthal and I used to weigh more than 260 pounds. I was always tired and in pain. It wasn’t long into my obesity that I began to develop serious medical problems. I had always been a habitual, yo-yo dieter and I was starting to feel like there wasn’t much hope for me.
However, I finally found the help I needed at The Center for Medical Weight Loss. Over the last two years, I lost more than 130 pounds with the Center under the watchful eye of a physician.
The results were so life-changing that I decided I wanted to help other women and men take back control over their lives.
Treating people with weight problems isn't as simple as telling them to eat less. Obesity is a disease that needs to be customized weight loss program addressing the underlying cause of obesity – food addiction.
I opened my own Center for Medical Weight Loss on University Drive in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In collaboration with Dr. Elisabeth Cohn- Gelwasser, I now dedicate my time and effort to helping others accomplish the very same goals I set for myself so many years ago. I never imagined there could be anything more rewarding than losing the weight myself but helping others change their lifestyle and achieve their goal weight has become the greatest reward of all!
Age: 39
Success in Medical Weight Loss on University Drive Program
Initial Weight: 149, 26% body fat
Current Weight: 135, 22% body fat
Program Type & Length: Low-calorie detox program; 6 weeks
My name is Michelle Straka and I am a competitive boxer in the Master’s division, currently ranked 3rd in the Women’s Light Welterweight category for the Women’s National Golden Gloves. I’ve been boxing for 7 years, and before the program I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and suffered from constant symptoms of indigestion, stomach pain and fatigue. I was on medication to control the symptoms and regularly trained to build my immune system and maintain my weight. I weighed 149 pounds at the time I was diagnosed and wanted to drop to138 to compete.
After the 6-week low calorie detox program at the Center for Medical Weight Loss on University Drive, I not only met my goal but I surpassed it and dropped down to a lean and mean 135 pounds. In addition, I increased my muscle mass by 4 ½ pounds and built up my stamina for better performance. My body fat dropped from 26 percent to 22 percent and I was able to increase my water percentage to avoid dehydration during a match. I’m leaner than I have been in years and my energy levels have dramatically increased. My new diet and supplement intake has reduced my digestion problems and I no longer need to take the medication to control it.
The Center for Medical Weight Loss on University Drive educated me on the best way to balance my diet with my fitness needs as an athlete. I used to starve myself to maintain a certain weight and now I’m disciplined in how to choose the right foods that will provide the healthiest nutrients. The Center combined my new diet with a fitness routine that focused on core training as well as Pilates to maximize my flexibility. I recommend the program not just to athletes but anybody, even if you just need to drop 10 pounds or tone up. It’s a great program that truly works and the fact that a doctor monitors you is a huge motivational factor.
Age: 55
Success in Medical Weight Loss on University Drive Program
I’m Evangaline Reiff, 55 years old and a registered nurse. I’ve worked in intensive care for about 30 years. Because of my job, I have intermittent back and bilateral arm and shoulder pains. I’m also about 40 pounds overweight and I have tried several diets in the past. I’ve lost as much as 18 pounds but also gained it right back.
About 3 months ago I decided to Join Dr Elisabet’s weight loss program. The first few weeks were challenging. I also joined their fitness program with Maritza. That was the start of weight loss for me.
Maritza started a exercise program that helped my back, shoulders, arms and weak knees. She taught me exercises for my shoulders and good posture. The pain is almost all gone it used to be at a stage where I was unable to sleep. I have no more back pains, the pain in my left knee is almost minimal and she also taught me how to do exercises to protect them.
Three and a half months later, I lost 30lbs., dropped from Size 14 to Size 4 and never felt better. I have blood work done every 3-4 months. My Cholesterol level which was about 348 about to years ago down to 118, triglycerides as high as 350 is down to 64. I’m also diabetic and my fasting blood sugar is down to 79 and hemoglobin a/c is down to 5.7 from 6.7.These are the reasons why at 55yo I have never felt better.
I get so many compliments from everyone on how good I look. A guy from work said I’m a 10 or even an 11 in his book. A lot of others say I look 10 years younger. The best thing is that my husband is doing most of the bragging on how good I look and what a great job I’ve done.
Case Study Name:Jennifer Vasquez
Success in Medical Weight Loss on University Drive Program
Jennifer Vasquez had a hard time gaining weight as a child. She was often sick with colds as a result of her being underweight, and her mother worried constantly about how to jump start her daughter’s appetite.
However, hunger caught up to Jennifer in elementary school and she began to gain weight fast. She became the “chunky” one in school. Schoolmates would tease and say mean things but she pretended not to care. Throughout junior high, Jennifer continued to gain weight which she tried to hide under baggy jeans and enormous shirts.
In high school, Jennifer began to experiment with diet programs such as Atkins, Slim Fast and Weight Watchers. She would lose up to 20 pounds, but the results were always short-lived. By the time Jennifer graduated from high school, she weighed in at 240 pounds.
However, things began to turn around when Jennifer started medical assistant school and took an internship at the Center for Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) at University Drive under the supervision of the resident physician Dr. Elisabeth Cohn-Gelwasser.
Through the CMWL’s physician-directed weight loss program, patients receive individualized treatment with one-on-one care that includes nutrition, fitness, medication when necessary, motivation and counseling. Using a combination of a low-calorie diet of shakes and nutrition bars, and, in some cases, prescription appetite suppressants, along with counseling in behavior modification and lifestyle changes, the Center helps patients focus on long-term weight loss results.
Gabriela Rosenthal, a weight loss specialist with the Center, was a personal inspiration for Jennifer. Rosenthal has lost more than half her body weight (130+ pounds) and has successfully kept the pounds off.
Topping the scales at 300 pounds, Jennifer decided it was time to start the CMWL’s program herself. Since enrolling as a patient in July 2009, she has successfully lost more than 70 pounds and maintained her new size. Her goal is to lose 50 more pounds in the New Year and finally wear a two-piece bikini. Thanks to the CMWL’s nutrition counseling, meal plans and customized work outs, there is no doubt that Jennifer will reach her goal.
Today, Jennifer works as a medical assistant with CMWL and trains with Maritza Henderson, the Center’s certified fitness instructor. Her routine includes Pilates and core body work which gives her the energy to exercise and ride a bike. In addition, she is training alongside other CMWL patients for an upcoming charity bike-a-thon for diabetes. Not only is Jennifer feeling good about herself but she is helping other in the process.
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