In 2020, Todd found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The North Carolina resident had struggled for years with his weight and joint pain. At more than 380 pounds, Todd tried several weight-loss plans, but none of them resulted in long-term success. And when he tried to exercise to lose weight, he experienced incredible discomfort in his knees and hips.

“I couldn’t become a candidate for joint replacement surgery because of the risk involved with my weight, but I couldn’t get over the hump with my weight loss because I couldn’t exercise due to the pain,” Todd said.

Worried for his health and that he would miss important milestones in his daughter’s life, Todd decided to undergo bariatric surgery.

Within six months, he lost more than 100 pounds. And then to build upon his progress, he joined the CoreLife Novant Health clinic in Kernersville.

There, registered dietitians, medical providers and trainers helped Todd develop nutrition and exercise plans that fit his needs.

“During my initial visit, I knew CoreLife was something different,” he said. “I had joined a gym before, but I felt like they didn’t understand what I was going through. It was a cookie-cutter approach to exercise. At CoreLife, they knew my circumstances and had a genuine interest in creating a healthier lifestyle for me.”

For example, trainer Zach worked with Todd to strengthen the muscles around his knees and hips. The exercises served as “prehabilitation” to prepare him for joint replacement surgery, he said. Zach also helped Todd change his mindset about physical activity.

“I never got in the groove where I actually enjoyed exercising, but he really created that within me,” he said. “I understand why I’m doing it, what I’m creating and what I’m working on. I feel like I’m fully vested in my body now. I never had that before.”

Since joining CoreLife, Todd has lost an additional 70 pounds. He has more energy and physical strength now than he has in years, which allows him to do things like yard work – a task he previously paid others to do. He is buying clothing off the rack instead of searching for big and tall sizes. He also recently traveled to Mexico with his family. It was the first time he didn’t need to wear a seatbelt extender on an airplane in 30 years.

“There were so many times when I sat on the sidelines, either because of pain or energy,” he said. “During my vacation, I was able to walk on the beach and do things with my family.”

Todd credits the CoreLife team for helping him find success.

“They celebrate my victories with me as if they were their own,” he said. “I feel so much better. I know I’m going to live longer, and I know how much I’m enjoying time with my family and my wife. I’m so grateful.”