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

Mark’s transformation began when he weighed 389 lbs. and struggled with weight and low energy. With the OPTIFAST program, he lost 170 pounds and regained his vitality. With our support, Mark achieved lasting weight loss and improved his overall health, showcasing the power of tailored weight loss plans. Contact us today or book an appointment online for personalized care that works for you. Conveniently located at 150 Overlook Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, we proudly serve clients from Ridgewood, Tenafly, Glen Rock, Paramus, Oradell, River Edge, Upper Saddle River, Wyckoff, and surrounding areas.

Mark: 170 Pounds Lost

When I first came to the Institute for Weight Management (IWM) I was 389 lbs., Dr. Chhabra, its founder and presiding Doctor, once told me that people generally lose weight when they know they are ready to do so.

In my case that absolutely applies.

Before joining this program in October of 2007, I had tried various other diets, including this very same Opti fast program with another provider. My ex-wife registered me with the other program in 2000, the year we got married. At first, I did have some success, loosing some 40 + lbs. But then, as seems to be the usual story, I gained it all back. I was there for 4 years before the program disbanded, but did not have any success at all. In fact, I am glad it stopped, I was just not going anywhere with it. But a few years later, a former member from that group recommended the IWM to me and said it was much better organized and run than the previous program. Whereas weight loss was an afterthought for the previous program, done after hours,

Its main focus being the doctor’s medical practice, it is the main and sole focus of IWM. 

When I first came here I could barely walk 10 feet without feeling heart palpitations. The very simple daily tasks of life were an ordeal and chore for me. As an example, I dreaded flying on an airplane, for fear of infringing on someone’s space. So much so that I became an expert in trying to get a seat with an empty one next to me. I dreaded the word “full” flight. To say I was ready was an understatement. But to be ready is not enough. You need to have a plan, support and motivation. I got all this from IWM. It was a place to come once a week and be accountable for your actions. Prior to coming here, I was somewhat knowledgeable about what constituted a good formula for weight loss, diet coupled with exercise and healthy living. But I had no proper plan of execution and I let my everyday hectic life get in the way of doing the right thing. I was slowly killing myself. Finally, I had enough. I joined this program, albeit not following it as prescribed. Yes, I modified my diet and eventually settled in on my own system, some times much to the chagrin of the doc. But I believe each person knows their body best and will eventually develop their own plan. I like to call mine modified OPTIFAST.

I have now, some 2.5 years later, lost 170 lbs and continuing like a runaway train to my final goal weight. And I will achieve it this year. But without the support, encouragement and genuine caring from Dr. Chhabra and her staff I would not have come this far. I am a completely different person. Weight loss is not a sprint.

It is a marathon. It is not a fad diet and huge loss of pounds in a short while. It is about losing the weight in a healthy manner and changing one’s lifestyle. If you are looking to lose it all in a day or 2 or a month forget it, you have already lost before you have started. You need to stay focused at all times and take baby steps. Set small goals and then once achieved keep going. For me, it is 10 lbs. Loose 10 lbs and move to the next. And believe me, before you know it adds up. You will feel better about yourself as the weight starts coming off. I have my own old saying, ” if you are in a hurry to get somewhere you will not get there fast enough. If you are not in a hurry you will get there quick enough:” This may sound like a cliche, but listen, if I can do this anyone can. Today I could not care less if a flight is full and would not even mind taking the middle seat if that was the only choice. Best of all, I do not have to ask for a seat belt extension. I exercise intensively and extensively and enjoy it. It is part of my life now. I do 40 minutes of stair climbing almost daily. No not on one of those sissy machines, but on actual steps. The best cardio workout anywhere. It kind of reminds me of Rocky 3, where he moves from a fancy Gym in Philly to a real boxer’s gym in South LA.

There is no easy road here. If somebody is telling that to you they are lying. There will also be bumps in the road. I have experienced many of them. But as you get into the process and start losing you will find it easier and easier to deal with those situations as they arise. Basically, you just get right back onto the horse and get going again. I use to have a bad day and then let it affect my whole week. I would simply say ok we ruined the day so let it go and we will get on it next week. Bad move. How many days would you then sacrifice if you thought this way? Now, if I have a bad day, and now they are few and far between, I simply get right back at it the next day. This is the attitude that needs to be developed. This is all part of a change in behavior. Who does not like to indulge from time to time? We all do. We are bombarded with food everywhere. I am not saying give up all the things you like. I am simply saying enjoy them, but in moderation. Have self-control. I love chocolate, It is a huge weakness. of mine. But I can now satisfy my need by simply having a small piece every other day. Many convenience stores now sell small tiny bars, which one can enjoy without feeling guilty. All you have to do is ask yourself are you better of the way you are or do you really want to feel and look better. Once you start and you see the results the momentum will carry you. To achieve success you need to have definitive goals and a burning desire to achieve them.

I can only tell you that it can be done. I am doing it. Stay focused and you will get to your goal. Treat each day unto itself. Never look beyond today. Win each day and the days will pile up. And when getting up to exercise just do it, don’t dwell on it. And the sooner you get started the sooner you will get to where you want to be. And remember, once you are ready and once you start you cannot and must not quit.

I encourage whoever reads this to join IWM and change your life.

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