Jen’s Story: Rewriting her health and rediscovering her love of the game

Jen Zuehlke, Chaska, began Ridgeview’s non-surgical weight loss program in March 2023. For years, her weight had gradually crept up — first during college, then with each pregnancy, and later during a major transition when her family moved to Minnesota from out of state, which took a toll on her mental health.

Her turning point came when she reached 300 pounds. “Something about that number was particularly humiliating,” she said. The moment became even more painful during a family trip to Disney World. “I did not fit in the seats for certain rides — I felt horrible,” Jen shared.

Profound weight loss, simply by following the ‘playbook’

At her annual physical, she mentioned that she felt generally healthy except for her weight. That’s when her provider told her about Ridgeview’s non-surgical weight loss program, an individualized, provider-guided weight loss program. Since enrolling, Jen has lost 115 pounds — 75 pounds with the program alone and the remaining 40 pounds since adding weight loss medication.

Before Ridgeview’s program, Jen had tried a variety of approaches — joining a gym, playing recreational league sports and using online meal plans. Nothing gave Jen the results she desired. What made Ridgeview’s program different was the accountability and having a comprehensive plan and resources.

“I knew what I needed to do, having read enough about eating healthy and exercising, but it seemed so overwhelming,” Jen explained. “To have the Ridgeview team acting like a sports coach, leading the way while teaching me what I needed to succeed, was huge for me. Small, realistic goals, nutrition advice, and a whole team of resources — it was like having the playbook written, I just needed to run the plays.”

Weight loss opened doors that once felt closed

As the weight came off, the changes in her everyday life were dramatic. “I did not realize how poor I felt until I started to lose weight and feel better. My body is less achy; I am much more active without feeling discomfort. I have more energy and my moods are better. My husband says I no longer snore. I used to come home from work so exhausted I couldn't accomplish anything, now I am able to be more present with my family,” Jen shared.

Jen’s health improved as well. Before her weight loss, she was pre-diabetic and her blood pressure bordered on the high end of normal. Now, her bloodwork and blood pressure are well within the normal range. “My mental health has also improved with the boost in confidence and knowing I am capable of doing this even if I slip a little,” she said.

The weight loss helped Jen rediscover her love of volleyball. “I was an avid volleyball player when I was younger, but as I gained weight, my skills suffered. I knew my capabilities on the court, but my body was no longer cooperating, which was incredibly frustrating. Now I can play again, much closer to how I played at my peak,” Jen said.

Individualized support every step of the way

What stood out to Jen was the compassion and support she received throughout the process from the Ridgeview team and program. “I felt very supported. The plan was specific to me and I always felt I could control the pace we moved. I could be honest with what I was struggling with and not feel judged.”

For anyone considering Ridgeview’s non-surgical weight loss program, Jen shares, “It was worth every second of work, and you are worthy of making that time and space for yourself. I was handed everything I needed to succeed — I just had to follow the playbook.”

Ridgeview’s Bariatric & Weight Loss team is dedicated to weight loss and long-term weight management. If you could benefit from support in achieving your weight loss goals, visit our website to learn about your options.

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