Changing the outside sometimes heals the inside

“My career was great. My home life was wonderful. I should have been happy,” says Michele Terry. “But there was a part of me that was miserable.”
Her weight had been trending up for years. From chronic knee pain to back surgery to tolerating stares in public, by 2022, the side effects of Michele’s weight were suddenly undeniable.
“I used to love rollercoasters but didn’t fit in the seat anymore,” says Michele. She realized she had slowly lost a lot of little things she loved.
Ready for change
Michele, senior manager of HR Operations, began to explore options through Norton Healthcare’s weight management program. She attended an informational (twice actually) and researched extensively, finally settling on weight reduction via gastric sleeve surgery.
With her high-school-sweetheart husband and daughter by her side, on October 31, 2023, Michele had surgery to remove a portion of her stomach.
“It launched a level of change I was not prepared for,” says Michele. “I did not realize how terrible I felt. And not just physically! It wasn’t just the weight. I was miserable inside.”
Ready for strength
What started as a step toward weight loss became a commitment to reclaiming her strength. In addition to a new diet, Michele was approved to begin an exercise regimen in January 2024.
“Post-back surgery, I was terrified of getting reinjured,” says Michele. “My dietitian from Norton knew I worked at GE Appliances and absolutely insisted I get in touch with Erik Mann at The Y @ Work.”
Once Michele finally got the courage to approach Erik about incorporating exercise, she quickly felt at ease.
“Erik assured me that my trainer would be with me every step of the way to ensure I didn’t get hurt,” says Michele. “We came up with a plan to start small and slowly build strength. I appreciated that we were constantly modifying and adapting it to my needs. And when I was ready to level up, my trainer helped make it happen.”
Before long, Michele was working out five days a week at The Y @ Work and swapping strategies with co-workers as she got stronger.
“If you had asked me two years ago if I would ever take a spin class, I would have laughed at you,” says Michele. “But here I am taking spin and barre classes and lifting weights three days a week!”

Ready to give back
Having had a front-row seat to her progress, Erik Mann recommended Michele for the Louisville Downtown YMCA Board of Advisors. As of September 2024, she was approved.
“Again, I never could have guessed I’d be here,” says Michele. “My people have been with me every step of the way. I want to be there for others, too. I’m just hoping my story will be helpful.”
Just over a year later, Michele lost 128 lbs. and gained so much more—her confidence, health, and sense of self.
“Believe it or not, the biggest change wasn’t physical,” says Michele. “I am the same soul, but I feel so much better, so much stronger, and so much happier inside.”
Michele’s “You’d-Never-Guess-It’s-Healthy” Keto Lasagna
Michele says this recipe is a family favorite!
Ingredients:
1-lb. Italian sausage
1-lb. lean ground beef (93/7 or 90/10)
15-oz. ricotta cheese
16-oz. cottage cheese (small curd)
2 eggs
1 package Egglife wraps
12-oz. mozzarella cheese block shredded
1 jar Rao’s Marinara (if substitute brand, ensure it is low sugar, like Rao’s)
Your favorite Italian seasonings (parsley, oregano, basil, rosemary), to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Meat sauce: Combine sausage and hamburger, brown until fully cooked. Drain any remaining grease. Add Italian seasonings to your preferred taste and 1 jar Rao’s Marinara sauce. Cover and let simmer on low for 15-30 minutes.
Cheese mixture: In a bowl combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese and 1 egg. Stir until fully combined.
In a casserole dish, lightly coat the bottom of the dish with a small amount of meat sauce. Cut your Egglife wraps into strips (these will act as your noodles). Layer Egglife wraps, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat.
If you prefer the cheese freshly melted on top, you can hold putting the last layer of mozzarella until the last 15 minutes of baking.
Bake for 45-60 minutes until bubbly.
If you’re looking to make a change, try Virta: A Healthy Path to Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
Virta helps you safely lose weight and lower blood sugar without side effects. Fully covered by GE Appliances, Virta is available to benefits-enrolled employees and adult family members with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or a BMI of 27 or greater.
Take the first step toward your health journey at GEAppliancesWellWithin.com to explore Virta and 14+ benefits to enhance your wellbeing, plus inspiring employee stories.