Weight-Loss Success Story: One Man’s Journey to the Finish Line

Dennis Smith - RESET Weight-Loss Success 1 USANA Blog Featured

As most of you know by now, I was the lucky writer who was sent to Sanoviv to cover the RESET™ Challenge grand prize winners’ stay at the exclusive medical institute.

While there, I met Dennis Smith, one of the winners in the overall weight loss category. He was one of the most lovable, genuine people I’d come across in a long time. And believe me, I know that if any of the other RESET Challenge winners are reading this, they’d totally agree with me.

Dennis Smith - RESET Weight-Loss Success 1 USANA Blog 3

Dennis Smith, one of the RESET Challenge: Destination Transformation winners, talks about his weight-loss journey while at Sanoviv.

During my interview with Dennis, he confessed that he had struggled with weight his entire life. At age 65, he realized that every diet he’d ever tried had always led to temporary results. He’d even had gastric band surgery back in the ’80s, losing more than 150 pounds, only to gain all the weight back.

It wasn’t until Dennis’ friend Bob — an Associate in his USANA upline — convinced him to join the Destination Transformation challenge that he finally started seeing results.

“When I was getting started, Bob told me ‘you have to set a goal,’” Dennis said. “Not knowing what to say, I started with 40 pounds. The weight shed so quickly, and I reached that within five weeks. So then I upped my goal to 80 pounds, thinking it would never happen.”

Fortunately, Dennis was wrong. At the end of the Challenge, he’d lost almost 81 pounds! Taking second place in the total pounds lost category of the Challenge, he’d won the grand prize trip to Sanoviv.

Meeting Bob

After speaking with Dennis, I had a long day of interviews that eventually brought me to Robert Moore and Amy Pederson — a nice couple from Minnesota who’d won in the partners category by losing a combined 111 pounds. Their story was just as inspiring as the others, and I was happy to be able to speak with them.

As the interview came to a close, I asked Robert if there was anything I hadn’t asked him about his weight-loss journey that he wanted people to know. Suddenly, I saw the tears in his eyes. Both his and Amy’s emotions ran high as they explained how proud they were of their good friend Dennis who’d lost more than 80 pounds.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8-BK9I8hY8[/youtube]

If you’re unable to view the video, please visit the USANA YouTube channel

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On the last night of the Sanoviv trip, Amy, Dennis, and Robert pose for a photo.

Robert told me that Dennis was ready to get help with his weight, so he pushed him to join the Challenge. And because Dennis had no access to a computer of his own, Robert would call him every Sunday night to record his weight-loss numbers for the week and to discuss ways to continue his progress.

Dennis Smith - RESET Weight-Loss Success 1 USANA Blog 2

Dennis Smith

I was completely stunned. This was Bob. The Bob that Dennis had told me about earlier in the day — the one who helped him stay on track throughout the Challenge.

I had no idea there was even a connection between Dennis, Robert and Amy. It was so incredible that they’d all made this journey to Sanoviv together! (OK, at this point I may have shed a tear or two myself.)

Friends Continuing the Journey

Of course, once I discovered this connection, I realized that even though the details of their weight-loss journeys were great, the bond that the three of them shared was the real story here.

Robert and Amy were completely invested in Dennis and his future weight loss. Even though he had already shed more than 80 pounds, he had confessed to me that he was ready to start on the next 80 right when he got home. And I knew he’d have the support and guidance of his friends Robert and Amy.

“Throughout this whole thing, I’ve seen such a dramatic change in Dennis’ appearance and his mobility,” Robert said. “But most of all, his commitment and attitude about his lifestyle changes have been the most inspiring thing to watch. Amy and I couldn’t be any more proud of him.”

Dennis Smith - RESET Weight-Loss Success 1 USANA Blog

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSuYLM7hzRc[/youtube]

If you’re unable to view the video, please visit the USANA YouTube channel

*Individual results may vary. RESET weight-management system lowers your daily caloric intake and recommends moderate exercise for best results. Average results are 4.5 lbs. in five days.

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8 replies
  1. Thelma Harvey
    Thelma Harvey says:

    Congratulations To all of you for your success on the Reset Challenge ~ and for being the inspiration we all admire!

    Reply
  2. Paula Carlson
    Paula Carlson says:

    Deborah Steddom Honestly, Deborah – the answer is not Money. We all decide where we spend our money, and eating one kind of food instead of another does not necessarily cost more. We choose our lifestyle. I wish you hope, and the ability to see what you CAN do, and not be overwhelmed by the bumps in the road.

    Reply
  3. Ekayani Chamberlin
    Ekayani Chamberlin says:

    Hook me up with the swagger! That is great!! Nutrition is so key and am so glad you all learned about that. Yay!!! As for money, try attracting wealth by believing that you will be supplied all that you need. Complaining about how you can’t have will get you more of the same. And for expense you cannot put a price on your health. You can do nothing without it. For those who’d rather waste their funds on cheaply made ineffectual products you pay the price damaging your precious temple. Medical care today costs a fortune so stop complaining, give thanks for the bounty that’s available and move your tail to help others. Dr. Wentz has given us something so priceless. My life and health and energy has improved so much in the past 4 years I feel better than when I did in my 20’s. I am willing to pat for that! Amen ya’ll!

    Reply
  4. Robert Moore
    Robert Moore says:

    Well, what, Deborah? Maybe you can educate me and show me what it is that I am missing.

    As you mentioned, USANA makes an excellent product. OK. So does one then ‘give’ it away? Couldn’t stay in business that way, couldn’t generate revenue to make more. There has to be money coming in to replenish the inventory, so there has to be a charge for the product.

    Also, there is manufacturing costs along with employees that make it, they need money to support their families. The cost of the product goes up.

    THEN, how does one get the word out regarding this excellent product? Advertising? That costs money too, so the product needs to be marked up to cover that extra cost.

    Dr. Wentz could have gone a number of different ways to get his product out into the mainstream and like many companies, he could have sold the product as a so-called regular, for profit company, that is ONLY concerned with their share holders. BUT HE DIDN’T!

    He chose to go with ‘relationship marketing’ and I am SO GLAD that he did. Instead of paying some big advertising firm or TV and Radio station, or magazines, etc. he chose to pay us for telling others about his excellent products. Anyone can do it, so it is not just a select few that can profit, but everyone can, if they so choose.

    USANA pays those who love their products to get the message out and in doing that, we can earn money to support our families and pay our bills and even raise our lifestyle if we so chose.

    My question is, ‘What is wrong with that?’ If I worked for T-Mobile, Gerber or some other company, I would expect to get paid. If they offered me a raise because of all my hard work, would I say, ‘NO!’ That’s too much money?

    What am I missing Deborah?

    Thank you Dr. Wentz & USANA for allowing me to improve my health, feed my family and improve my ‘lot’ in life.

    BTW: USANA also has the USANA True Health Foundation—a not-for-profit charity founded by Dr. Myron Wentz and USANA CEO Dave Wentz. The mission of the USANA True Health Foundation is to provide the most critical human necessities—nutrition, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, and health education—to those who are suffering or in need. http://www.usanafoundation.org/

    Reply
  5. Flo Norris
    Flo Norris says:

    @ Deborah:) It is totally worth it!! I am using the Nutrimeals regularly. I know it can get pricey sometimes, but when you use it regularly and allow it do it’s work, you will see that it is not at all too costly. The product is PHENOMENAL and worth any cutbacks you may have to make in other areas of your life. It is truly your health…your life…your way… Give it another shot. You won’t be disappointed sister!:) I am on my path to success because of it!!:)

    Reply

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