Success when following dietitian’s advice


Dietitians provide weight loss guidance at VMH ... Often individuals are informed at their annual physicals they may be overweight and are advised by their health care provider to try to drop a few pounds, but that is not as easy as it sounds. Bob Swenson of Waukon was recently given that advice and knew he needed some guidance. He sought out the help of one of the dietitians at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Brandy Strub, who now calls him a “poster child” for following her advice and making remarkable progress in just one month. Registered Dietitians Jill Fleming and Brandy Strub are both available to meet with individuals personally who want to improve their diet and get to a healthy weight. A free weight loss class is also offered the first Tuesday of the month at Veterans Memorial Hospital at Noon or 5 p.m. that same day. Submitted photo.

Often individuals are informed at their annual physicals they may be overweight and are advised by their health care provider to try to drop a few pounds, but that is not as easy as it sounds. Many stop eating and go on a crash diet, only to regain the weight plus more since they have probably just slowed their metabolism by not fueling their body properly.

Bob Swenson of Waukon recently visited Dr. Schwartz in the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon Medical Clinic for his annual Medicare physical, and it was recommended that he lose 25 pounds to help improve his cholesterol numbers and overall health.

Bob knew he needed some guidance and immediately sought out the help of one of the dietitians at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Brandy Strub.  Brandy is a registered dietitian and the new Nutrition Services Supervisor at the hospital. She works with the nutrition staff to plan and serve nutritious meals for the hospital patients and also consults with individuals personally who want to improve their diet and get to a healthy weight.

“I knew I needed to back down on my portions, but I also knew I needed advice on making healthy choices,” admits Bob. “I called the hospital and was referred to Brandy right away and she has been so much help. I feel so much better in just the first month.”

Bob met with Brandy just over a month ago for his first consultation. A month later when he returned to the doctor for blood work, his cholesterol numbers were cut in half and back to within normal limits. The doctor couldn’t believe it and questioned how he did it.

“Bob is a Poster Child for taking advice and following it,” states Brandy Strub, Dietitian. “He gave up his sweet treats, cut back on his portions, and made several other dietary changes recommended. He has so much discipline and I have no doubt he’ll continue with the healthy lifestyle changes he has made.”

Anyone interested in a consultation with a dietitian at Veterans Memorial Hospital may call the hospital at 563-568-3411, Ext. 567.  Registered Dietitians Jill Fleming and Brandy Strub are available for consultation. A free weight loss class is also offered the first Tuesday of the month at Veterans Memorial Hospital at Noon or 5 p.m. that same day.