Summer is fast approaching, and that means there will be many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. If you need a little encouragement to get active this summer, meet our Aultman Weight Management Patient of the Month, Joe Endres.

Which program did you participate in?

I participated in New Outlook.

How much weight have you lost?

I have lost approximately 50 pounds.

What made you decide to begin this weight loss journey?

I was feeling somewhat depressed about being overweight. I had little energy to be active, and this was a complete turnaround from my previously active life. I had a back injury a few years before that gave me very limited exercise options.

I was also warned by my primary care doctor that my blood pressure was slowly rising, my cholesterol was rising and I had frequent episodes of GERD and heartburn.

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Late night snacking and high-calorie alcohol drinks during the week and weekends.

What’s your favorite part about your experience at Aultman Weight Management?

My return to a daily exercise program. I have gotten my strength back to pre-injury levels. My endurance has returned. My blood pressure dropped to the point of no longer taking medication and my cholesterol dropped in half.

What advice do you have for those thinking about joining the program?

Regular exercise is a MUST. I quit late-night snacking, for the most part. I no longer drink high calorie alcohol drinks, and my overall consumption of alcohol is approximately one-third of my pre-program levels.

What words of wisdom do you have for anyone currently going through a weight loss journey?

You can’t lose the weight by exercise alone. You have to become cognizant of everything you eat, but not to the point of obsession. I really could not have done this without the encouraging words from the dietitians, Heather and Angie. They really kept me going. I also want to thank Heather, a fantastic trainer who got me started on an exercise routine that I still use four to six times a week.

Thank you for sharing, Joe!