Judy S. Age 50
In February, I went for my annual checkup with Dr. Couri. I was feeling fine, just a little tired and stressed from the normal life of a working woman. I knew my weight was an issue and I called to cancel my appointment thinking that if I just waiting a bit longer, I could lose a few pounds before I went in. But I knew that waiting wasn’t the right because I knew I should take care of myself. So I went ahead and visited Dr. Couri knowing I had a problem.
Well, it wasn’t just the scale that showed high numbers! When I received the results of my blood work, I was devastated. My blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol were way out of the normal range. I felt angry at myself for letting myself get to the point. I have a family history of diabetes and heart disease and I knew I did not want to end up with the same issues I watched family members deal with. Although, I had just started another weight loss program the week prior to my appointment, I decided that the results of my blood work required immediate and serious action on my part. I decided that I would take part in the TLC Program offered by the Couri Center. Dr. Couri assured me that I would not be alone in this journey and that she and her team would be there to help me along the way. I felt good that I would be monitored from a physical and mental perspective. Although I was scared and concerned the program wouldn't work, I started my journey and have not looked back!
The TLC program has been a true learning experience. Dr. Couri tailored supplements for me as well as asked me to follow the a new diet. I meet with Leslie, who is a true inspiration and has guided me through the dietary and exercise changes I needed to make. I have changed my lifestyle from eating fast food and not moving, to enjoying fresh foods and exercising every day. I have learned what “good” food does for your body and how important proper nutrition is to your overall wellness. I also attended a cooking class offered by the Couri Center, which was great fun and very educational.
I am a little over half way through the 15 week journey. I have lost almost 30 pounds and am wearing sizes that I have not been able to wear in years. Although, I didn’t feel “bad’ prior to starting the program, I know that I didn’t feel as good as I do today. I am so thankful that Dr. Couri and her team have dedicated their practice to wellness and offer this type of program that helped me to get “moving” in the right direction.
Cindy A. Age 53This past spring I decided to enroll in Dr. Couri’s TLC program. My life has truly changed for the better! As I entered my late 40’s and early 50’s I experienced weight gain (especially around my middle), fatigue, low energy, a lack of concentration, poor or little sleep, joint aches...I could go on. I had been taking a statin for 2 years and had recently started taking medication for hypertension. In general, I felt lousy and as a mom with two busy teenagers, and a full time job that requires travel I wondered how long I could go on in this condition. Something had to change, so in April I began my simple journey to wellness. Upon meeting with Dr. Couri for my first TLC visit to review my lab results I was surprised to learn I had Hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s Disease. My labs indicated my body was most likely reacting to some common foods in my diet – a type of autoimmune response.
In short, I began a modest exercise program with Leslie Rusch-Bayer, CPT, and overhauled my diet. By removing gluten, dairy, soy, and meat (except fish and seafood) from my diet and starting on thyroid medicine and supplements, I began to feel like my old (new) self again. After only 5 weeks my lipid panel results were almost unbelievable; Total Cholesterol 184 to 127, LDL 104 to 59, and Triglycerides 120 to 72. I have lost 17lbs in 9 weeks and am feeling so much better. I have enjoyed reading and learning about the benefits of eating whole (non-processed) foods and a plant-based diet. You may have noticed I mentioned I “began” my journey in April. I am still on the journey, but am finding much joy in that journey and a renewed sense of promise for the future. The TLC program has been a God-send for me. Dr. Couri and her staff have been so supportive and helpful – I am thankful.
Cathy M. Age 54TLC has been a God send for me. When I came in to see Dr. Couri for my yearly exam I told her I was not feeling well. My cholesterol was elevated, and my triglyceride levels were especially high. I had been suffering from recurrent yeast infections and had also just been diagnosed with asthma. Many of joints ached, I had minimal energy, and I was WAY over weight. I had tried losing weight may times before - but the results were always the same - I’d lose 12-15 pounds, I would plateau and lose interest.
Dr. Couri thought she could help me. After my blood work returned we discovered that both my insulin and blood sugar levels were also high. Dr. Couri explained that she wanted me to meet with one of her staff members, Leslie, to learn about the TLC program and what it offered.
So, in September 2011 I began my journey. It took a few months, but we were able to find the right combination of foods, supplements, and medication that worked the best for me.
Today, I am no longer on a diet. I have adopted a new lifestyle, with energy levels that I have not experienced for decades. I walk 45 minutes a day 5-6 days a week, not because I have to, but because I actually WANT to. And best of all...I am 30 pounds lighter!