Sanford Strong Helps Woman Regain Life Through Wellness Program

Fitness program aids those overcoming medical issues and weight loss struggles

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the skeletal structure of a person performing a squat exercise, with glowing bones and joints against a dark background, conceptually representing the rebuilding of strength and mobility.An X-ray view reveals the internal skeletal structure of a person regaining strength and mobility through a targeted wellness program.Bismarck Today

After years of being in shape, multiple injuries and time led Sue Novak to needing bariatric surgery to lose 150 pounds. Post-surgery, Novak was still in pain until she joined Sanford Strong's Intro to Wellness program in Bismarck, North Dakota. The 12-week program is designed to prepare patients with obesity, metabolic and orthopedic medical issues for surgery, or help them regain control of their body after surgery by building muscle and improving cardiovascular and mental health.

Why it matters

The Intro to Wellness program provides a supportive environment for people like Novak who are restarting their wellness journey and need to rebuild strength and mobility to overcome specific medical issues. By offering group-based fitness classes, the program helps participants feel less alone in their struggles and motivates them to push towards a healthier life.

The details

Novak had lost 150 pounds through bariatric surgery, but was still experiencing pain and having trouble with basic movements like squatting. The Intro to Wellness program gave her the opportunity to build strength and improve her cardiovascular fitness alongside others facing similar challenges. The program is structured to prepare patients for surgery or help them regain control after procedures, with a focus on building muscle, improving mental health, and increasing overall wellness.

  • The 12-week Intro to Wellness program starts in June and runs through early August.

The players

Sue Novak

A participant in the Sanford Strong Intro to Wellness program who lost 150 pounds through bariatric surgery but was still experiencing pain and mobility issues until joining the program.

Mike Wagner

A Sanford occupational therapist who oversees the Intro to Wellness program and helps provide participants with the tools and support to regain control of their health.

Sanford Strong

A fitness program in Bismarck, North Dakota that offers the Intro to Wellness program to help adults with obesity, metabolic, and orthopedic issues improve their strength, mobility, and overall wellness.

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What they’re saying

“We were in a group, and it was interesting to see where everybody was, the different levels we all had, and how we came together and cheered everybody on and really supported each other.”

— Sue Novak, Participant

“We all come to those places in different ways, and so we just wanted to help provide outlets for people to know that they're not alone, and we have somewhere to start. Because those things can become really overwhelming.”

— Mike Wagner, Sanford Occupational Therapist

What’s next

The next 12-week session of the Intro to Wellness program at Sanford Strong in Bismarck will begin in June 2026.

The takeaway

The Sanford Strong Intro to Wellness program demonstrates how targeted fitness and wellness initiatives can be life-changing for adults struggling with obesity, medical issues, and mobility challenges. By fostering a supportive group environment and providing expert guidance, the program empowers participants to regain control of their health and overcome barriers to living an active, fulfilling life.