The Great Slim Down
Success Stories
Penny
"In 2018, I began seeking medical help about my weight. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t lose weight after having children. In the spring of 2021, that search lead me to find Natalie and The Great Slim Down program. I had been on medications to help with weight loss but they were not working. Natalie explained to me about the studies of people who lost weight and kept it off. There are biological drivers that fight against us when we are losing weight. Treatment is a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and strength training. I’m down 25% of my body weight. It has transformed my whole life. I’m more energetic. I physically feel healthier and I know that I have the ability to manage my lifestyle. The medication helps me do the things I already know I should be doing. Working out and dieting help me gain muscle, reduce body fat, and improve my cardiovascular health. I’m excited about the health benefits that this program has given me and am looking forward to the future."
Lawanna
"My weight loss journey started in April 2022. I can't find the words to express my gratitude, for my daughter finding The Great Slim Down and the program actually working. Before this program, I was not able to control my eating habits. I was depressed and so unhappy with me. Dr. Ikeman and I devised a plan which included a weight loss shot, nutritional and exercise goals. As of today I have lost 36 lbs and 2.5 inches, which calculates to about 16% of my weight lost. This experience has been absolutely amazing. Thank you so much!"
Stacey
"I have been thick my whole life. I struggled with binge eating and constant dieting. I would slim down then regain as soon as I stopped the diet. My sister referred me to The Great Slim Down Program. She was on it and had lost about 60 lbs. I made an appt. Everyone was so nice and caring. We talked about what worked before, what didn't. Natalie put me on Mounjaro. Right away I noticed I wasn't thinking about food. Then I just wasn't hungry. I started the summer out at 209 lbs. It is fall and at this appointment I was down to 152 lbs. I feel awesome!! My confidence is back. I have so much energy. It is so amazing. I'm not perpetually fatigued and waiting for my next nap. I am not unceasingly binging on food. Oreos, I love them!!! Before, the package in the cupboard would scream at me... EAT THE OREOS. I used to!! A whole row, nothing. Two rows, piece of cake!!! I always felt so ashamed. Humiliated, why can't I stop eating? Now I'm satisfied with 1 or two, or none at all. I am not hungry. I can control and break my bad habits. I have to remind myself to eat and I make better choices. Mounjaro, literally is saving my life. I had a heart attack in 2015 and a brain aneurysm in 2021, because I was unhealthy. My cardiologist was so happy I started this program! She is very excited to see me taking better care of myself. I am so proud of myself, too. Mounjaro is a life changer!!! Great Slim Down the best! Thank you, Great Slim Down! Stacey Mueller”
Chris
"My name is Chris and I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I began this weight loss journey with HCMC in January of 2021 and since that time, I've lost nearly 200 pounds. When I began, I had a lot of anxiety and self-doubt as I had tried weight loss programs in the past. My care team treated me with respect and understanding as I dealt with my anxiety throughout the process. I'm incredibly thankful for all of the wonderful care, advice, and guidance I have received from my care team here. I used to think I'd never lose even five pounds, much less nearly 200. The journey is different for everybody, but I encourage you to take that first step. It will be worth it.”
Amanda
"My story is not unique. I've always struggled with my weight. Even in high school I was on one diet or another, trying Atkins at 15 to lose weight. By the time I was 30 I had tipped the scales at over 300 pounds, diagnosed with pre-fatty liver disease and exhausted with the weight on my 5'10" frame. At that wake up call and through healthy eating and exercise I got down to 220's. But then I had two kids, sending me back on the roller coaster up to 270.
Again, I fought my way down to 230 by the fall of 2021, which is when I joined the Great Slim Down. I didn't want to go back up again, ever. I wanted to be a healthy weight, but thought anything under 200 would be a dream. I didn't know how to maintain that healthy weight, if I ever achieved one. I didn't know if it was even possible.
Six months later, I'm down almost 60 pounds, with a healthy BMI and wearing a size 10!! I've never, even in high school, been a size 10.
Natalie has taught me that obesity is not some lack of self control and I wasn't "lazy". I have a diagnosed medical condition requiring medical intervention. That knowledge freed me from years of guilt and shame about my weight, and confirmed I'm doing everything right, and with medication I am off that roller coaster and will successfully be a healthy weight for the rest of my life. I no longer have to live a life obsessed with my weight, exhausting my mental capacities and always looking for that next miracle cure. I can spend time and energy on hobbies and relationships, no longer am I concerned that I'm being judged for my weight or that the scale will hold me back. I will be able to say "yes" to whatever adventure comes my way. I'm even thinking of sky-diving, something I've always been too heavy to do.”
Angela
“I would have never thought I was really this big three years ago or ever (I wasn't even this big with 3 pregnancies) because I have always been confident in my skin/body. I was literally two-tenths of a percentage point away from becoming a diabetic. I had no choice but to get healthy and beat the odds if I wanted to save my life!
Well, I have lost 50+ pounds, I've gone from a pants size 18 to a 13/14. I am back to my pre-mom ages &' it feels amazing! My plan is to first and foremost never get to that point again, keep the extra pounds off, start to tone &' build my muscle. I know it won't be easy just like this hasn't but I am determined.
I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped/supported me along the way, you're all truly rock! More importantly, I owe this journey to Natalie without her I am not sure where I would be. She is a blessing. I have never met a doctor who makes you feel like you truly matter, and wants what's best for you! This program really matches you and what you need as an individual and this is why it works so well. It has taught me how to have more of a healthy lifestyle in my daily routine. I will forever be grateful. Thank you, Natalie and The Great Slim Down!”
Amy
"After having knee surgery, I decided to get help with my weight problem before I damaged my other knee. A friend recommended the Great Slim Down Program with Natalie. Natalie took the time to learn about me and my personal challenges. She was able to make a plan that was unique to my needs. I was able to successfully loose (%) of weight, in less than a year, thanks to Natalie. Now, I'm so active with walking, swimming and light circuit training with weights, that I've passed my weight loss goal and have no plans of ever being overweight again. I have no joint pain and my energy level is amazing. What I've learned is that being overweight is like having a disease. You need professional help to successfully treat the disease. Natalie taught me what I need to do to control my weight and lead a healthy life."
Amy lost more than 50 pounds in 12 months!
Rachel
I put on weight during college when I was struggling with anxiety and transitioning into adult life. Last year, I wanted to make a change so I went to Natalie for help. With her holding me accountable, I have been able to lose over 30 pounds! Together, we set small goals to work towards my end goal. She helped me recognize my accomplishments and taught me to celebrate the little things. Today, my outlook on my health is much more positive and I am so much more confident. I am truly proud to be where I am and I'm so thankful for Natalie, who has been there for me the whole time. I'm not at my goal weight yet, but I have no doubt I will get there as I continue on in The Great Slim Down program!
Kellie
When I first started the Great Slim Down Program, my goal was to diet in order to lose weight for my daughter's wedding. I never imagined that it would lead to an 80 lb weight loss and a lifestyle change for the better.
I am now healthier, more active, and emotionally feeling great. Natalie encouraged me by improving my eating habits and reducing my stress and anxiety.
The program fits easily into my life through monthly visits with Natalie creating obtainable healthy goals together. I have kept the weight off for over six months now and I don't plan on looking back. This program has been truly life changing!
Francisco
Self-directed diets can be difficult and hard to sustain. The Great Slim Down program allowed him to lose 40lbs at no cost, painlessly, with no real change in eating venues despite eating in restaurants daily as a professional.
He states that the program for him was a “great success.” He was able to lose over 18% of his body weight and keep it off. He has now moved to a maintenance phase and is feeling better than ever.
