{"id":2758,"date":"2017-12-21T17:39:11","date_gmt":"2017-12-21T17:39:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=2758"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:26:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:26:35","slug":"bloomington-couple-gains-new-life-after-losing-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/bloomington-couple-gains-new-life-after-losing-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"Bloomington couple gains new life after losing weight"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Stewart

Before<\/p><\/div>\n

Stewart Waltner, 51, of Bloomington was given an ultimatum: Do something about his weight or take a risk of not being able to see his youngest child graduate college or get married.<\/p>\n

After weighing in at 383 pounds with a possible life expectancy of 55 years, his primary care physician at OSF HealthCare Medical Group – St. Joseph Drive<\/a>, Dr. Richard Ginnetti, recommended the Health Management Resources (HMR) Weight Loss Program through OSF HealthCare.<\/p>\n

He knew he couldn\u2019t do this alone, so he insisted his wife, Edythe, join him on this journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always tell people that Stewart took me kicking and screaming,\u201d Edythe laughed.<\/p>\n

The HMR program partnered with OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center<\/a> to provide a non-surgical, weight-loss program based on healthy lifestyle changes. The program focuses on a \u201cmore is better\u201d philosophy. The participants eat six small meals a day to keep their metabolism and glucose in balance.<\/p>\n

The couple began HMR in August 2014, and they both explained that their lives have drastically changed since starting the program.<\/p>\n

Stewart set the clinical record for losing the most weight of 56 pounds in 13 weeks. Edythe, age 53, has reached her long-term goal of 140 pounds.<\/p>\n

Never looking back<\/h2>\n
\"Stewart

After<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe can both bike 30-plus miles now,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cThis is something neither of us ever thought we could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stewart and Edythe said the program\u2019s physicians and nurses have been supportive throughout their weight loss journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe physicians and nurses focus on how far you have come,\u201d the couple said. \u201cThey never make you feel like you have failed after a bad week, and always remind you of the benefits of your hard work.<\/p>\n

“And one of the best things about our weight loss is that I can wrap my arms totally around my husband in a hug!” added Edythe.<\/p>\n

As the leading provider of diet programs to the medical community, HMR<\/a> has helped more than 1 million people make lifestyle changes to lose weight and be healthy.<\/p>\n

HMR classes are\u00a020 weeks long and involve education and problem solving through group discussion. HMR also includes exercise consultations and nutrition consultations conducted by a licensed dietitian.<\/p>\n

HMR has been named a Best Diet for FAST Weight Loss, and a Best Diet for Weight Loss by U.S. News & World Report 2017.<\/em>
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