Ed’s Success Story at The Institute for Weight Management & Wellness in Hackensack, NJ

Ed’s success story at The Institute for Weight Management & Wellness demonstrates how structured medical weight loss and personalized care can lead to lasting transformation. With professional guidance, customized nutrition planning, and ongoing accountability, Ed achieved sustainable weight loss and improved overall health. Contact us today or book an appointment online for personalized care that works for you. Conveniently located at 150 Overlook Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Weight Loss Success

For as long as I can remember, I always had a weight problem. My eating habits were atrocious, but during my high school and college years, I was able to control my weight with physical activities and exercise. It wasn’t until 2009 that I lost complete control. After breaking my right ankle, I was forced into countless surgeries. I eventually developed severe arthritis, and with the loss of mobility, I found myself in a depressive state. My physical activities dwindled to nonexistent, and needless to say, it affected me greatly. I no longer had a way to control my awful eating routines, and by 2010, I had gained over 100 lbs. I was now at my heaviest at 326 lbs. My world was completely upside down. I no longer wanted to go out or be around friends and honestly thought I would be unhealthy forever. Worst of all, I lost all confidence in myself.

In 2012, six months before my 30th birthday, I decided something had to be done. I gave myself an ultimatum and vowed that I’d lose the weight before my birthday. Knowing I couldn’t do it alone, I decided to search the Internet. I was hoping to find a nutritionist who could supply me with appetite suppressants. Never would I have thought in my wildest dreams that these few hours of research would change my life. Somehow, I stumbled upon Dr. Chhabra’s website. After reviewing the plans and reading the success stories, I decided to schedule an initial phone call to learn more.

Within one month I was on the full OPTIFAST plan. The first few days were difficult, but once my body adjusted, I felt better than ever. The shakes were delicious and surprisingly managed to keep my appetite controlled. Most importantly, I averaged a loss of five to six pounds per week! This was all the motivation I needed, and in just a little over 4 months I broke my goal of losing 100 lbs.

I am currently 202 lbs, the thinnest I have been since high school. Not only do I feel great, but I am also now able to exercise again. The loss of 100 lbs. has removed a lot of added stress from my ankle. This now permits me to be active once again, and recently I am proud to say I broke running a mile in less than 9 minutes.

I don’t want you to think it was easy, because it is really not. It took a lot of self-control and determination. For the four months on the full OPTIFAST plan, I did not break it once, and although I would like to take all the credit, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Dr. Chhabra and her excellent staff. They were outstanding at motivating me and keeping me on the right track. Seeing her once a week was a constant reminder that allowed me to focus on the bigger picture. It was Dr. Chhabra who also let me understand that the choice of losing weight and living healthier was a decision that only I could make.

My weight loss journey isn’t over yet. This is just the beginning. I plan on breaking 200 lbs this month, and the next phase will be bringing healthy eating habits back into my life. Although I am nervous and understand how difficult it will be, I now have confidence in myself. Having Dr. Chhabra and her staff by my side is just more support in helping maintain that healthy lifestyle.

*The success stories depicted in this section are representative of these individuals only. Individual results may vary.