Richard Wheeler

My name is Dick Wheeler from Kokomo, Indiana. I am 67 years old and am a life insurance agent.
I have struggled with my weight since I was in my 20's. I have been on many, many diets using various weight loss programs. Some have even been of my own making.

The key to determining what initiated my decision to lose weight was my daughter. We are older parents and have a 20 year old daughter. I had been feeling so bad and unhealthy the past several years that I did not think that I would see her graduate from college. Blood pressure issues, kidney issues and sleep apnea were a few of the problems that I was dealing with.

In December of 2008, I saw a billboard in Kokomo introducing Dr. Haendiges Medical Weight Loss program. I felt that at my age, if I decided to get serious about losing weight that a medical approach would be my best option. So, I visited the office for an interview with Dr. Haendiges. The program included blood pressure readings on each visit and blood work when needed, to make sure that my body was responding properly.

The program seemed doable to me. I was going to do the bariatric surgery but felt that my traveling would make this a very difficult option. I travel with my company approximately 20 weeks per year. The restrictions with this type of surgery along with the possible after surgery complications were too much of a risk. Dr. Haendiges' program was simply "shakes and candy bars". What's so hard about that?!

I have lost 100 pounds in 8 months. I do not need blood pressure medication or a sleep apnea machine any longer. My kidney issues have disappeared due to the amount of water that I drink on a daily basis. Along with the visual appearance changes, this much weight loss has made a tremendous difference in my daily life. Originally, I felt that men my age should feel tired and that energy levels would, and should, be much less. I now feel that I am 20 years younger and have the energy level of a 30 or 40 year old man!

My wife is my best friend. She has loved me at my 357lb weight level and loves me at my 257lb weight level. She has always encouraged me to keep going and keep working at my goal. She would bag low calorie treats so that I would not over eat. If we would go out to eat, she would encourage me to split the meal with her, thus making our dinner a special time for the both of us. This approach helped my wife feel that she was taking an active part in my weight loss plan.

Along with my family, I always gained a great deal of support from Dr. Haendiges herself, as well as her staff. The weight-in day has always been a positive experience. It makes one accountable.This is very important to the success of the program.

My background was in the teaching field. I was a music teacher for many years and enjoyed working with my students in developing their musical talent. My hobbies are related to this field where I enjoy playing a trumpet at our church and signing with our church choir and men's quarter. I also enjoy playing golf which has been a great way to exercise.

The shakes that were required were always easy for me to use. The chocolate flavor has been my favorite. The variety of candy bars that are available have all been excellent and filling.