Jessica Johnson, a dedicated physical therapist at Riverwood Healthcare Center since 2005, has undergone a remarkable transformation in her health and wellness journey. Primarily working with patients at Riverwood’s McGregor clinic and occasionally in Aitkin, Jessica shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and achieving lasting success.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for years. In college, I managed to stay fit by running with my roommate and weightlifting regularly. But after having my two children, I gained 72 pounds, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t keep the weight off. I’d lose a few pounds here and there, but they always came back.
Everything changed for me after a pre-op exam for a hip replacement, when I found out I was pre-diabetic. Working in healthcare, I see firsthand the challenges people face with diabetes, and that was a wake-up call for me. Though I considered bariatric surgery, I ultimately felt it wasn’t the right option. My hip pain made staying active nearly impossible, but after my surgery in April 2023, I felt like my life opened up again—I could finally move! I even started jogging, which felt like a huge accomplishment.
I started small, going for daily walks, because I knew consistency was key. To stay motivated, I got an Apple Watch to track my steps and calories, and it was eye-opening—I wasn’t moving as much as I thought! Since May, I’ve set a goal of 8,000 steps a day, and I often exceed that, sometimes hitting 12,000 steps.
I also made big changes to my diet, focusing on increasing my protein intake to 30-40 grams per meal, which has been a game changer. For the first time, I feel in control of my hunger and free from constant cravings. I’ve incorporated more chicken, grass-fed beef, and protein-rich foods, and I’ve cut out snacks and avoid eating after 7 p.m. I also added intermittent fasting, doing a 48-72 hour fast once a month, and the health benefits have been incredible.
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve lost 47 pounds! I walk two miles every day and have closed my Apple Watch activity rings for 114 days straight. I feel amazing—my A1C levels have dropped, and my continuous glucose monitor shows my blood sugar is now in a healthy range. This journey has been life-changing, and I’m excited to keep going!”