A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT:

I am a life-long resident of Tallahassee. I spent the first 14 years of my career in information technology with the Florida Department of Labor. The last 14 years have been in software and information and management consulting sales.

All my life I have enjoyed sports and exercise. While attending college, I worked for Cliff’s gym in the morning and second shift as a computer operator. I've attended a gym all my adult life, setting personal goals to burn 500 calories on the elliptical machine 4-5 times a week and follow with weight training. From this you can see that I have plenty of exercise.

In my 14-year sales career I often take clients and recruits to lunch. Along with the knowledge of the daily specials in most restaurants, my weight also increased from 190 pounds to my top weight of 228 pounds. I referred to myself as "the short fat boy."

I had to make a change. I tried many different plans and read many different books. I finally had to change not only what I eat, but just as importantly how much I ate. My goal was to weigh less than 200 pounds. I currently weigh 198 and have been at this weight for 12 months. Dr. Bolen, of course, tells me I need to lose another 20. If you follow the plan and listen to Dr. Bolen and David, you will be successful.

“My business philosophy is simple: What does it take to make you happy? At Step Up Weight Loss, we want you to be happy!!

I tell my clients that I need to know the good, the bad and the ugly. Although I cannot help with medical questions, if I can be of assistance, email me at lance@stepupweightloss.com.

Good Luck!

David began his career in 1987 as a surgical technologist in cardiac and neuro-spinal surgery at South West Florida Regional Medical Center in Fort Myers. He and His wife moved to Tallahassee in 1992 so David could attend nursing school at Florida State University. By completion of his Baccalaureate Degree in December 1997, David had been nationally certified as a Surgical First Assistant.

While working for Health South Rehabilitation Hospital as a rehabilitation nurse and weekend nursing supervisor, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Family Practice as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner in August of 2002 from Florida State University School of Nursing. His thesis addressed pain management after total joint replacement and rehabilitation in the sub-acute setting.

He has extensive experience in the treatment of Family Practice Medicine as well as acute illnesses and all types of physicals for adults and children. He has served as the sole practitioner at the Havana Health Department and has owned his own after-hours urgent-care practice. He has written and published more than 20 articles on acute family illnesses and social issues impacting the family and nursing care. He has served as the Medical Director of the Advisory Board to Lively Technical Center since the 2006 school year.

David is a member in good standing of the Shriner’s Organization of North America and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Presently he is the Master of J. Edwin Larson Lodge #361, Free and Accepted Masons.

Tabitha is a 2003 graduate of Florida State University School (Florida High). In 2006, she was certified by Lively Technical School for EKG. Presently, she is attending Tallahassee Community College with the desire to begin Dental Hygienist studies in 2009.

At Step Up Weight Loss, Tabitha has been trained on the job by Dr. Bolen to be a medical assistant. She will perform your initial EKG and record your vital signs on follow-up visits.

She is also one of the front desk receptionists and greets all with a smile and a positive attitude. She will schedule your appointments and give you a reminder call the day before. She keeps the front end spotless and organized.