Patient Experiences
DAWN
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Dawn - "I began the UCLA RFO Program in September 2005 at 300 pounds. I was on five different prescription medications for a variety of conditions. I was only 37 years old. I had been struggling with obesity for over eighteen years. I was scared, tired, and in constant physical discomfort. I truly felt helpless and hopeless. I believed that I was going to die too early as I could not find a way out of the physical prison I had created for myself with my body. Over three years later I have removed over 150 pounds from by body, and I now weight half of what I weighed when I began the program in 2005. I am no longer on any prescription medication. I am no longer scared, tired, or in any physical pain. I am hopeful now, and I no longer live in a prison of my own creation. I know that the UCLA RFO program provided me with the opportunity to save my own life. The RFO Program provided me with a team of support and for me at the center of that team is Debbie Lux, who leads the behavior modification and maintenance groups on Wednesday nights. I learned many tools in that group that aided me my desire to remove the extra weight from my body. I gained invaluable knowledge about concepts ranging from environmental control with food to the need for physical activity and self-management. I also received much needed support from the other patients in the program. I found a place where I had a voice and where I could relate to others in a way that no other weight loss program ever offered. There is nothing magic about this program it requires hard work and a deep personal commitment to one's self. However, I truly believe that with the right intention a person can utilize the structure and support that the RFO Program offers in order to change and save your life. I am living proof of that, and I halve enormous gratitude for it.
BROTHERS ARTURO AND GILBERTO

Brothers Arturo and Gilberto - The brothers started the RFO Weight Loss Program at UCLA in January 2008. Both over 400 pounds when they started, they each lost 185 plus pounds by the December 2008 Holidays, one year later. They commented: "Wow! What a deference a year makes. We can not believe it. We each have lost more than 185 pounds in exactly one year! the healthy way too. Thanks a million from us and our families. this has completely changed out lives. When we arrived at the program we did not know what to expect but you made it simple. you held out hands and taught us how to succeed. We have learned so much about nutrition, exercise and the body. Look at us now. One year ago we felt trapped and now we are living again. Our outlook o life has done a complete 180. We FEEL fit. We feel amazing and energized. We are enjoying life and our families more than ever. Thank you and it is great to be alive.
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