Ray – From Overweight to Hiking the Grand Canyon

Note from HCG Chicago: One of the greatest – if not THE greatest – rewards in this line of work is hearing how losing weight on our HCG program changes people’s lives for the better. Below, in his own words, is an inspiring account of Ray – a male patient whose transformation is, quite simply, amazing. Enjoy!

The journey of my weight loss started many times in the past with a variety of programs. Same scenario of … lose weight – only to gain it all back, and then some. About one year ago, a client from my office shared that he and his wife were on this diet called HCG.  They both shared how well they were doing on it. This created my interest in the diet. I had attended a Global Information Network (GIN) about dressing for success. A statement was made the struck a chord with me and I decided I needed to do something different regarding how I looked and felt. My knees were also starting to bother me and I certainly did not want to go the route of knee replacements.

Two months later, GIN was having a Leadership Training on a cruise ship. One of the conference options was a meeting with Dr. Tom Drost about the HCG Weight Loss Program. I signed up, hoping to be one of those selected to meet with his team. I was lucky and this did occur! I started the program the following month. One of the deciding factors for me was that I felt it was important to have a qualified staff working with me on the weight loss.

Ray, before HCG

The most challenging part for me was wondering if this program was going to work or if it was going to be like all the rest of the previous attempts I made. Also, I had to overcome the comments that various people had made to discourage me when I was considering the program. I became determined thast this HCG diet was going to work and that I would follow the instructions and stick to the program. Another challenge was all the preparation that was needed – and the logistics of following the protocol while at my office. Again, my determination caused me to explore ways to overcome the road blocks and be successful.

As I started the program and saw how easy the pounds started falling off, I knew this program was going to work. I realized I had to make a lifestyle change in order for this to work. I started walking 20-30 minutes every day.  I followed the protocol very strictly. The weight and inches started to drop – which was rewarding for me to see and feel. In fact, I continue to weigh in on a daily basis to keep myself accountable for my actions and decisions. Another reward to the HCG program is thast I am currently on only one medication – however, I’m only taking half as much as I was originally prescribed – and I will soon be off the blood pressure medication as well.

Two pieces of advice I offer is to stick to the protocol – and never lose sight of your dream of being thinner and healthier.

Half-way through the program, another client of mine shared that he had been hiking rim to rim of the Grand

Ray now regularly enjoys hiking

Canyon. This thought sparked my interested and so I started doing some hiking in our local area. I am so excited to report that on October 1, 2011, my daughter and I hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out on the same day! Currently, I hike five to seven (5 to 7) miles two times a week and also work with a personal trainer twice a week. I feel better now than I have felt for the past forty (40) years!!!

In closing, I would like to first thank my Lord and Savior and my wife for her support during this journey. I would also like thank Dr. Drost and his staff for their support and encouragement. I am looking to build more dreams for the future.

Ray S.