I’ve been fighting my weight my whole life.  I was in WW at 10, tried all kinds of fad diets and twice tried for a surgical option, but my insurance was bad.  It became really bad about 15 years ago when I was at my heaviest at just under 600lbs.  I didn’t know what to do, but I did know that I deserved better.  So, I kept going to see different doctors. 

 Six years ago, I got myself down to 350 pounds. At the same time, I was hired at HMTW to the great delight of my endocrinologist, Saundra Hendricks, NP. 

 During the first two years, I was able to drop another 40-50 pounds. but could never get below the 300-pound mark. 

It was at that time some of my nurse friends mentioned that once you are with Houston Methodist two years, they will help you with surgical weight loss.  I was doubtful, but it was confirmed by Dr. Price who put me in contact with a surgeon (Dr. Howard).  In December 2020. after going through the hoops and just as everything was shutting down for COVID, I was approved for bariatric surgery.

That was the first day of my second life.  Since then, I began working out regularly, fine tuning my body thanks to Gail Pinsonat, who I’m proud to say is not only my trainer but has become my friend.  I also began working with a dietitian, Kristen Wright, once I decided to ride in the MS150.   These ladies and everyone in the gym and my department have lifted me up and encouraged me every step of the way.

Leslie Kemmerer struggled with her weight, but she took control of her health by having weight-loss surgery and working with the Houston Methodist Wellness staff. 

Gail Pinsonat, Leslie's coach from Wellness Services is proud of all that Leslie has accomplished. 

 "We call her the gym mascot now and she has lost 350 pounds and recently completed the MS150," says Gail. "She is widely known around the hospital and is an inspiration to everyone she meets!"

As a cardiac sonographer, my job is usually active and, on the go, pushing my machine around the hospital. After a year and half off to have my second son, I transitioned to the clinical outpatient setting in 2022 with DeBakey Cardiology - Willowbrook. The sedentary lifestyle plus poor eating habits led me to explore resources provided by Methodist. In August of 2022, I took advantage of the awesome services provided by the wellness team like Zumba classes and the Commit 30 program with Lauren which helped me with being more active. I was definitely out of shape and struggled. After a few months of working out and an InBody assessment, I had not lost any weight and felt discouraged. Fast forward to January 2024, I decided it was time to get back on track and went in for another biometric and body composition screening. To my surprise my a1c was high at 8.3. I needed guidance and so I made an appointment for a nutrition consultation.

I am glad I did because Lea helped me reach my goals. Shout out to Lea Obeid!!!! She is my lifesaver, my wellness champion! She guided me with virtual meetings for the 3 months leading up to my next lab work up. From handouts, how to read nutrition labels, portions, pre/post workout meals, to food pairings and how to choose quality carbs/protein, I now have a better grasp of my nutrition moving forward. I also started to incorporate daily walks especially after meals and soon after started adding in 2-3 days a week of weight training and 1 day a week of cardio (I despise cardio). After finding out I had a high a1c I knew my goal had to be focused on healthy eating habits and not solely on losing weight. In April 2024 my a1c was back to 5.1. Looking back to 2022, working out alone didn’t do much for me because I never took my nutrition seriously. Since my journey with Lea began, I have now lost 12lbs, feel great and have the tools to make better lifestyle choices.

As a scheduler and insurance verifier for the Sleep Center at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, I find myself sitting all day in front of my computer, at times not having a moment to get up to stretch or take a walk. Since the age of 18, I have been dealing with being overweight and also having type 2 diabetes. At a young age, I never took my health seriously; not even having diabetes scared me. In June of 2016, I lost my grandmother, who I was very close to. She had me make a promise to take care of myself. That was a rough year, and it took me several years to get over that loss. In 2022, I finally decided to honor my grandmother's wish and take my health more seriously. Starting with an A1c of 9.6%, I made an appointment with Employee Wellness, and that's when I met my good friend Kristen Wright, Wellness dietitian at Methodist Willowbrook.

From then on, it was history. I was locked in and focused on the task at hand working hard to improve not only my diet but also my fitness level in the gym. It was not an easy start, but I thank Kristen for being there and motivating me to get me where I am today, now down to an A1c of 5.3% and improved overall health. In April of 2023, I joined a fitness group called Orange Theory Fitness in the Vintage. (Mention my name if you decide to sign up. LOL) Joining Orange Theory was the best decision I have ever made. One of my favorite things to do during our fitness class at Orange Theory is running on the treadmill. If you are looking for a group to motivate and push you while working out, Orange Theory is the place to be.

This journey has not only helped me physically, but mentally as well. The support and motivation I receive from Kristen, co-workers (shout out to the Sleep Center at Willowbrook), Orange Theory family, and the love and support I have at home have been overwhelming. I am extremely grateful for all of you, it's an honor to be recognized and represent wellness for all the employees of Houston Methodist. My hope is to inspire others, even just one person, in their wellness journey. This is not an easy process by any means. For some, this may come naturally. To others, it can take a bit longer, but at the end of the day as long as you are doing this for yourself and to better your health, that is the most important part of the journey.

As a transporter at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, I am required to physically be able to push, pull and move around all day long. Knowing this, I promised myself "I will not let those beds/stretchers get the best of me." Determined to keep my promise, I started my exercise habits (and wellness journey).

When I first started my position, I was introduced to the Employee Wellness Center. I want to give a big thank you and shout out to, Linda Boyd, massage therapist, as she was the first one to educate me on all the wonderful wellness services Houston Methodist offers to their employees.

I immediately was drawn to the fitness classes offered throughout the day. My favorites so far include spin, cardio kickboxing, kickboxing and cardio sculpt Monday through Thursday. On Mondays, I may run into spin late depending on the day’s workload, but even when I’m tardy, I am greeted with a warm welcome and someone to help me get a bike adjusted so I can join in.

Working out in the Sugar Land Employee Wellness Center has not only helped me physically, but mentally as well. This has been a huge game changer, especially after the loss of my son, Corday Williams. (You can learn more about his story if you read his article, "Former Texas City standout Corday Williams remembered as bright motivator").

The support and motivation I have received from the wellness team combined with the love and support I have at home have brought me to a point in my health and wellness I did not know I could reach.

I am so grateful for the chance to be a representative of wellness for all the employees of Houston Methodist, and it is an honor to be recognized. My hope is that I might be able to inspire others to start their own wellness journey and help them feel just as welcomed as I was when I first stepped into the Wellness Center.