Sandy’s WondrStory

I have had several friends ask me what I am doing to lose weight. My standard response is, “You aren’t going to believe how simple it is. I only eat when I am hungry, and I stop when I am full.”

Sandy Koch, Wondr participant

How did you feel about your body and health before starting Wondr?

If you would have asked me last summer about my weight, I would have said, “Yeah…I could lose a few pounds.” 

How did you hear about Wondr?

In August of last year, we were visiting with some friends we hadn’t seen in several months. My husband and I both complimented him on his weight loss. In the course of our visit, it came up several times. He took out his timer, and often mentioned “waiting until my next level 3.” We, of course, at that time had no clue what he was talking about.

He shared with us that our insurance company provided enrollment in Wondr, and he had been (obviously) seeing great success with it. I looked it up that night, and sure enough, our insurance would cover the cost if we were accepted, and enrollment was opening. Both my husband and I said, “Why not?” 

What surprised you the most about the program?

Once we were accepted, I was a bit disillusioned. They wanted me to give up sugar for three weeks? I had to eat one food at a time? I had to TIME myself eating? I groused and complained, but then thought “What the heck. I’ll give it a go and make it MINE.”

I faithfully followed the first few weeks (except for giving up my morning French vanilla creamer in my coffee….for the sake of others around me…I HAD to have that)!

What was most challenging about the program for you?

Chewing and eating slowly was (and continues to be) a struggle.

But for the first time in my LIFE, I was given permission to not eat breakfast. I have never in my life been hungry at breakfast time. In fact, I often wouldn’t get hungry until noon or later. But everyone always said, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! You MUST eat it!” I was thrilled with the “permission” to not eat breakfast!

I also had to learn that it is OK to not clean my plate. (Sorry, Mom!) Both my husband and I have had to work at not feeling guilty about that.

What are some other “wins” you’ve had?

I increased my water intake. I divided my food…only ate when I was truly hungry and stopped when I was full. The weight came off.

Since September 2019, I have lost 50 pounds, and my husband has lost 35. We feel more energetic and healthy. We are sleeping better and we have much fewer aches and pains. Getting up and down off the floor with our new granddaughter is SO much easier than before!

What do you tell people who ask you about your success? 

I have had several friends ask me what I am doing to lose weight. My standard response is, “You aren’t going to believe how simple it is….I only eat when I am hungry, and I stop when I am full.”  They roll their eyes at me, but I say, “Really. It IS that simple.” When they show an interest in more info or ask more questions, I explain eating slowly, drinking more water, and always give them the Wondr Health name. 

What makes Wondr different from other weight loss programs?                     

I had tried several “plans” throughout the years after having kids, and saw some success; however, they were all super hard to stick with. I didn’t have the money in the budget to have a subscription plan of so much per month for special food or access to meetings. I had 4 kids and a busy lifestyle keeping up with them. I knew I was overweight, but it was NOT worth the effort or work for me to put into losing.

What has participating in Wondr helped you achieve?

I have never before followed a “diet plan” or “eating program” where I thought, “I can do this for the rest of my life”. If (when) I overeat and feel miserable, I don’t think “Man…I screwed up. I have to go eat a gallon of ice cream now.” Instead, I think, “It’s OK. I will just wait until my next level 3.”