How Michael Achieved His Goal Weight in 6 Months
After 25 years at the same job, you wouldn’t think Michael Klabunde would need to introduce himself to his coworkers. But that’s what happens when you lose 150 pounds in just six months. “It’s weird. People don’t know who I am.” He got a similar reaction from the staff at his doctor’s office. “I blew people away.”
Michael didn’t plan to lose so much weight so quickly after his vertical sleeve gastrectomy. He says it just happened by following instructions. “I’m a stickler about portion size, and I make protein a priority just like I was told.” He also burns 1,000 calories a day. “I pedal off 500 calories every morning and another 500 every evening.” His efforts have taken him to his goal weight of 200 pounds in just six months.
Like so many others, Michael had tried losing weight before, but couldn’t keep it off. “It got worse after I quit smoking. Plus my partner and all my friends are excellent cooks.” He didn’t eat bad food, he says of his heavier days. “The food was really, really good. I willfully over-ate.” He still eats good food today, he says. Just less of it.
Michael is quick to give credit to his many supporters. “Like they say, it takes a village.” He calls Dr. Kerlakian and his staff “so impressive. Their community approach to working with patients is exactly right.” He also credits friends and coworkers. “I deliberately told everyone about the surgery, and I gave them permission to ask me how I was doing, and to shame me if I got off track.”
Michael also credits himself. With no insurance coverage, he says, “I wasn’t going to pay that kind of money and then fail.” At 55 years old, this college professor has more spring to his step as he walks across campus. “I have more energy and I feel so much better about myself. And I dress much better too,” he laughs.