‘I Was Going to Have a Granddaughter and I Wanted to Enjoy That’
When Dean Vanstraten decided to address his excess weight and related health issues, his family provided him the motivation he needed. His grit and determination were further strengthened by support from the weight wellness specialists at ThedaCare.
Vanstraten, a Shiocton resident, retired from the construction industry. During his working years, he was overweight. The job helped keep him active. In retirement, with less physical activity, he slowly gained more weight.
In 2024, Vanstraten weighed 345 pounds, He faced multiple health problems.
“I felt miserable. My son had just gotten married and they were expecting their first child,” he said. “I was going to have a granddaughter and I wanted to enjoy that. I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something about my health.’”
Vanstraten tried to lose weight. Fad diets and quick fixes offered little success.
“I tried them all,” he said. “I would take off 20 or 25 pounds but then I’d fall off and gain it right back and more.”
His health was at a crossroad. He had swelling in his legs, atrial fibrillation and joint pain. He also had a pacemaker and a left knee and right shoulder replacement.
“My family doctor told me, if you don’t do something, you’re not going to be around very long,” Vanstraten said.
In late 2024, Vanstraten worked with his doctor to try Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1. It didn’t have the results he expected. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, digestion and appetite.
“I was thinking you could take that and just lose weight but if you don’t adhere to everything that goes along with it, you won’t,” he said. “I knew what I wanted to do but I didn’t know how to do it.”
Breakthrough
Vanstraten’s doctor referred him to ThedaCare Weight Wellness Solutions. Obesity medicine specialist Benjamin Duffy, DO, leads the program and works with a multidisciplinary team.
Dr. Benjamin Duffy, obesity medicine specialist, ThedaCare
Vanstraten completed an initial class within the program in early 2025 and immediately found himself surrounded with support. Soon, he met with Dr. Duffy, who switched Vanstraten from Wegovy to Zepound (tirzepatide). Vanstraten was also connected with a team of dietitians and exercise physiologists and was surprised and delighted to find genuine care and concern among his team. They even called to check on his progress.
“Within the first couple of weeks, the weight started coming off when I started eating right,” Vanstraten said.
The combination of the new drug and the support of a caring team worked. Vanstraten surpassed his initial goal of getting his weight down to 300. He set a new goal of 275. Today, he weighs 235 pounds, a weight loss of 110 pounds.
“I feel just great. I feel 10 years younger,” Vanstraten said. “Everybody compliments you. It makes you feel so good inside.”
Team Approach
Key members of Vanstraten’s weight wellness team include Dr. Duffy, nurse practitioner Ashley Faulks and registered dietitian Ashley Krautkramer.
All three are delighted with the progress Vanstraten has made on his weight wellness journey. They said his readiness to make dietary and health changes was key.
“Readiness is incredibly important. Lasting change happens when someone is personally motivated and prepared to invest in their health,” Faulks said. “We can provide the tools, education and support but the decision to make a change has to come from the patient. Our role is to meet them where they are and help them succeed once they’re ready to take that first step. I always tell my patients we are in this together.”
Beyond readiness, first steps are equally important, Krautkramer said.
“Typically, I start by learning about what a patient is currently eating,” she said. “There’s always something they’re doing right and I want to make sure to point that out. No one is doing everything wrong.”
Depending on what’s going well and what needs work, the weight wellness team may focus on helping patients learn to:
- Eat consistently throughout the day, at least three meals and structured snacks.
- Employ strategies to minimize medication side effects.
- Consume protein from quality sources to help ensure fullness and maintain muscle mass.
The weight wellness program focuses on people’s health, not numbers on a scale, Dr. Duffy explained.
“We want to reduce disease risk and help improve quality of life. If someone can play with their grandkids without pain, walk farther without getting winded or wake up feeling rested, those changes are incredibly meaningful.”
That resonated with Vanstraten. He continues to lean on the support of ThedaCare Weight Wellness Solutions.
“Dr. Duffy has been great. Everybody from that whole program has just been wonderful,” he said. “I give a lot of credit to them. The support they have for you is second to none.”
People needing help with their weight loss journey are encouraged to start with their primary care physician or contact the weight wellness team at ThedaCare for weight loss solutions.
When Dean Vanstraten decided to address his excess weight and related health issues, his family provided him the motivation he needed. His grit and determination were further strengthened by support from the weight wellness specialists at ThedaCare.
“My family doctor told me, if you don’t do something, you’re not going to be around very long.” Hearing that, Dean Vanstraten of Shiocton decided to make changes in his life to benefit his health. ThedaCare’s weight management team was there to support his resolve.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
Date posted: June 25, 2026