Hwy 16 East, Sparta, WI.

Success Stories (scroll down)

Joyce Barlow

"Sheri, My goodness how can I possibly put into words what I feel about your Lose It 4 Life program and what you have done for me.  When I came to you the first time, I said I would turn me over to you for 1 year .to see what you could do with me.  I was tired of the me I saw in the mirror and felt on the inside.  I was tired of wearing black, and over-shirts.  I knew that was not the me I was deep down inside.  I said, “You call the shots, I will just do it, whatever you say….and in one year we will see where we are.  After all, I can do anything for just one year”…

Six months into your program I found my energy level so overwhelming that my grandkids said my energy was annoying.  I needed an outlet.  I started bicycling and in 6 short weeks was riding 35 miles as many times a week as the fall weather would allow.  I set my biking goal for next summer to ride a century (100 miles in one day.)  When the cold weather approached and knowing I would not be winter biker, I joined Fit 4 Life and started your fitness training program 3 times a week.  Now, I sincerely look forward to each workout with you (can you believe those words actually came from my lips-  I can’t.)

Today I am 9 months into that one year commitment.  You had to teach me that the commitment I made to you was more importantly a commitment to me, AND that it is forever, not just one year.  What I have lost is 50 pounds and numerous sizes.  But, what I have gained is my self respect and pride…  I look forward to our future workouts (still can’t believe I am saying that), and I look forward to your support, encouragement, and all you have to offer as I enter a place I have never been before… that place is called, maintenance.

How appropriate that I am writing this in the season of Thanksgiving, because this day I give thanks to you Sheri, for changing my life, for teaching me to be accountable to myself, and showing me the path to getting me back."   -Joyce Barlow (11/25/06)

Wanda Powers

Wanda lost 43 pounds and went from a size 12-14 to a size 5-6

"Not only do I feel good about myself, my husband tells me everyday I look great!  Thanks to Loseit4Life and Sheri Fanning, who with her support, I was able to do this. If I can do it, so can you.  If you're really serious about changing your life, give Sheri a call and get started!  It will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make!"       -Wanda Powers     

Peggy Woodworth

"Almost 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with polymyalgia arthritica, and prednisone was prescribed by may doctor to ease the pain and stiffness in my joins.  One of the side effects of this medication is bloating and weight gain.  By November 2005, I was the heaviest I had ever been.  When I saw Dana Tock's picture in the paper with her weight loss story, I told myself I could do that too and went to see Sheri at Loseit4Life the day before Thanksgiving.  

She explained the plan to me and I decided to right then and there that I was going to join.  I didn't know if I could do it, but it was worth a try.  I started Thanksgiving day counting calories and weighing food.  It takes time getting used to doing that, but after a month, it wasn't so bad.  I even got through the holidays and lost weight every week since then!  I have now lost 15 pounds (after less than 2 months on the plan) which was my goal for February 26th of this year.  I am going no for the goal of 20 pounds and I have no doubt I can make it.  

Also, I recently had my cholesterol checked and since my last check in August, it has gone down 47 points.  My doctor has cut my medication in 1/2 and I will go in again in 3 months to see if it has gone down more.  I also joined Fit4Life the day after Christmas and use the facility 3 to 5 days a week.  The staff has been very helpful.  I feel so much better and have a lot more energy than I have had in several years.  

In 2003 I lost my mom, sister and husband, all within 7 months and sort of lost interest in everyday events.  Now I can truthfully say that my state of mind is also much better.  I give the credit to Sheri, who meets with me one a week and encourages me.  I also have to give myself credit because if the desire to lose weight is not there, it's not going to happen.  I now know that this in not just a fad diet, but a change of lifestyle and anyone can do it if they set their mind to it!"    -Peggy Woodworth

Update (11/4/06):  It has been 9 months since I lost 23 pounds, even though my goal was for 20 pounds. Once I started losing and keeping track of what I ate and what I did for exercise it became easy. I now have changed my life style, watching what I eat and how much I eat. On weekends, I am more lenient with myself, but when Monday comes, I’m back to watching what I eat. I also have continued to exercise for 30 minutes a day at least three times a week. When the weather allows, I walk outside. Otherwise, I use the treadmill. I also like yard work, so that helps burn calories. Thanks to Sheri and lose it 4 life, I have been able to keep my weight off. I have met with her once a month for the last 6 months to get weighed, and that  helped me stay focused. I am now on my own, but if I have any problems, Sheri is there for support and help. Thanks Sheri & Lose it 4 Life for helping me achieve my goal.  -Peggy

Dana Tock

It was critical that I lose weight for many reasons, mainly because I’ve had a history of 15 years of lower back (herniated disc) trouble.  In January of 2004, I injured my back throwing away a small piece of paper in the garbage under our kitchen sink (yes, you read that right).  I went through a tremendous amount of pain, saw a lot of doctors and ended up going to a specialist, who told me that the only exercises that were safe for me in my condition, were walking and yoga.  

Because I was afraid of injury and further pain, I listened to the advise, and because of bad eating habits and lack of enough of these beneficial exercises, my weight began to climb.  I knew that being overweight was not helping my back, or anything else for that matter.  

After a visit with a doctor during a routine exam the following late summer, it was recommended that I join the cardiac rehab patients with their exercises because those are safe for people with lower back trouble.  I began to lose some weight and feel better, but the weight loss evened out after a few months because I was not eating right.  I knew that I was missing this very important link.  

The concern about my weight peeked out last January.  I was frustrated and I knew something had to change.  That’s when I contacted Sheri Fanning for help.  We got together, discussed the program, and I began my journey of healthy eating right away that day.  We planned to meet once a week to check in and weigh in.  For the first time in my life, I was going to be held accountable to someone else for my food choices!
   
I found that at first it was difficult to eat all the foods I was supposed to for my daily recommended amount of calories!  Following the program wasn’t (and still isn’t) always easy and it took some time to get used to recording and measuring everything I ate, but by March, enough weight had come off and things had progressed at rehab well enough that I began to talk about the possibility of adding jogging to my routine.  

In late March I picked up some good running shoes and in early April started jogging.  Running has now become part of my life.  It has not hurt my back at all... as a matter of fact, I believe it has strengthened my core and has built up the muscles needed for protecting my back.  I don’t believe I would have ever been able to start jogging if I hadn’t first lost some weight.

In the last 9 months, Sheri has encouraged me a lot when I was doing things right.  I have enjoyed seeing her smile and say “Good job!”.  Also, because she truly cares, she has not been afraid to get after me when I was messing up, but always did so with respect, encouragement and good helpful ideas to correct bad habits.  Overall, with her knowledge, professionalism and background, she has given me the tools I need and the incentive to do better in order to watch the scale numbers go down and inches come off.  

I believe that no permanent weight loss can happen without the right combination of regular exercise, healthy eating choices, education and accountability with those who truly care.  I have achieved this type successful weight loss and have learned to make the much needed changes in my life to keep the weight off thanks to Lose It 4 Life and Sheri Fanning.  With her help, I’ve succeeded in losing about 40 lbs to date!   I’ve gone from a tight size 12 jeans to a loose and comfortable size 6 (the longest ones I can find of course, for those of you who know how tall I am!).  The last time I was at this weight was when I married my husband, Russ, almost 19 years ago.  I’ve gained better health, freedom from chronic lower back pain, more confidence, much more energy and so many other positive things from this experience that I could write a book.  

Thank you so much!  I will always be grateful for what you’ve taught me Sheri Fanning!!   -Dana Tock    

Reenie Shauf

"What a shame to visit Peru's historical site at Machu Picchu and not want to show my pictures if the scenes included me.  The problem?  Too much me.

Those 10 little pounds I had been trying to lose slowly turned into 20, and that had me digging for a larger size on the sales rack.  

After some half-hearted attempts to lose it on my own, I realized it wasn't going to happen.  Most people can probably tell you what are healthy food choices, but that is only one part of losing weight and maintaining your desired weight.  I needed a professional to guide me through the process, and I especially needed a strong encourager.

Lose it 4 Life has provided me with everything to make weight loss successful.  Sheri Fanning understands the difficulties of losing weight.  She has modeled how to not only lose, but even more importantly, how to keep off the weight.  The name Lose it 4 Life was believable to me for that very reason.  I signed up.

Working one-on-one forced me to be accountable.  Sheri eliminated the usual games I played with strict adherence to the plan.  No sneaking treats or grabbing chips allowed.  Every morsel eaten had to be properly recorded.

I appreciated the private sessions for reviewing my progress.  Everything we discussed was relevant to my program and that made the time worthwhile unlike some weight-loss meetings with many participants.

Was it easy? No.  Did I feel hungry?  Sometimes.  Was it worth all the hard work?  Definitely.  Reaching your desired weight has a huge impact on how you view yourself.  Setting goals and obtaining it became possible with help from Sheri Fanning and Lose it 4 Life."   -Reenie Schauf    

Angela Brooks

"I have been struggling with my weight most of my adult life.  I joined Fit4Life 3 years ago.  Even though I exercised a lot and became fit, I wasn't losing much weight.  I lost some pounds quickly last year when I was on the Atkins diet, but as soon as I went back to eating normally, I gained the weight back plus more!  I was at my all time high weight.

I had lost 30 pounds 12 years ago by counting calories & fat grams and keeping a journal, but I was having a hard time motivating myself.  The Loseit4Life program is similar, but I count how many of each food group I eat and I have individualized support.  Knowing Sheri will be looking at the eating & exercise journal I keep makes me think twice about cheating or being lazy!

My first goal was to lose 20 pounds before my son's wedding.  I lost over 23 in 10 weeks and went from a tight 18 to a comfortable size 14.  As I reach each goal, I feel successful.  

In the next 3 months, I am working to lose another 20 pounds.  With the new eating skills I have learned with Sheri's help, I know I can accomplish this new goal.  With this method of eating I can have whatever I want as long as I watch portion sizes and am aware of everything I eat.  Even though I have been on a 1400 calorie diet, I feel satisfied.  

Now I have more energy, feel good about exercise, and feel more confident about myself.  Thank you Sheri and Loseit4Life for helping me finally lose the weight!"  -Angela Brooks  

Kassie Hendersin

"My Success story began in mid January with a phone call to Sheri Fanning at Loseit4Life.  I liked her program because it included all the food groups and did not require special foods and supplements.  But I was sure I could follow my own program and lose the weight on my own.  By mid January it was obvious that I was not able to succeed on my own.  That is when I began working with Sheri and with her support I have lost 30 pounds in 5 months!

My main goal for losing weight was to be healthy.  My doctor was concerned about high blood pressure and blood sugar readings.  I started out with 1,400 calories a day which didn't sound like enough to me.  I was amazed that I was never hungry.  I was even more amazed to see the scale dropping week after week.  With each success I became more encouraged and determined to reach my goal.

I also use weights and machines for strength training 3 days a week and I walk three miles every day.

An added bonus is that my husband has lost over 30 pounds just by eating what I prepared for him and by not eating snacks at work.  We have both given up a lot of bad eating habits and have learned to say "no thank you!"   

As I near my goal weight, a weight I haven't been at in 20 years, I am so thankful for Loseit4Life.  Sheri's program is healthy and successful.  At first I met with Sheri twice a week to weight in and go over my eating diary.  This was so helpful.  Later we met once a week.  Sheri helped with food suggestions, recipes and tips for eating out.

Thank you Sheri for helping me to learn to take control of my eating and my health."  -Kassie Hendersin  

YOU can succeed too!  Call Sheri today to find out more about Loseit4Life!

Sheri's cell:  608-797-1031 or e-mail Sheri (click here)

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