Losing Weight Opened the Door to a Better Life for Michael

Michael Marino, age 62, works in Social Security Administration. He went to the doctor for his annual check-up and discovered his numbers were off the charts. His weight had been spiraling upward  for years and reached a tipping point of 338 pounds. His knees were bad, and he knew he would need to lose weight or his doctor wouldn’t perform knee-replacement surgery. The doctor also told him he was prediabetic. Michael knew something had to change.

His doctor referred him to a Virtua weight loss program. He met with Virtua weight-loss physician Elizabeth Levinson, MD, and a Virtua registered dietitian to learn about available weight-loss options. Together they developed a plan that fit his health needs and weight-loss goals.

On the plan, he had a goal to eat 1500 calories a day, and he supplemented one meal a day with a high-protein shake. He learned how to keep a food diary and cut down on the sugar and salt in his foods.

Michael lost almost 100 pounds in 9 months by modifying his eating and lifestyle habits. He had one knee replaced in November 2016 and the other in February 2017. He’s back to work, and he feels great. Michael maintains his weight loss by exercising and eating the right foods. He’s full of energy and plans to continue exercising.

He credits Dafna with helping him reach his goals: “Dafna is incredibly supportive and down to earth. She was so knowledgeable and helped me choose the right foods that worked for me,” said Michael. “Following the program opened a door to a better lifestyle for me.”

While Michael’s wife Gail didn’t need to lose weight, she was supportive and encouraging of his weight-loss goals, and even lost 15 pounds herself just by eating and cooking healthier. They look forward to taking long walks together to their favorite places in Mullica Hill.

To get started on your weight-loss journey, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 to schedule an appointment with a Virtua registered dietitian. 

Updated December 17, 2020