Kevin Goode’s Weight Loss Journey
Kevin Goode, a registered nurse at Riley Hospital for Children, has been on a personal weight loss journey, driven by a startling discussion with his doctor.
INDIANAPOLIS — Losing weight can be a tough endeavor, but each pound shed makes a difference.
Goode, who is 28, recalls that in February 2023, he weighed 465 pounds. He was dealing with significant health issues, including hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes. After an alarming statement from his doctor—who warned that he might not reach 40 without making changes—he decided to take action. By the end of that year, he underwent bariatric surgery and impressively lost 80 pounds, surpassing the initial goal of 20 pounds.
With encouragement from his mom, co-workers, and support from his gym in Martinsville, Goode gradually noticed positive changes. As the weight came off, so did many of the health concerns that plagued him.
“Now, I take the stairs to work every day, and I’m not out of breath afterward,” he shared. “Sometimes, if I miss cardio in the morning, I’ll intentionally walk up and down the stairs a few times to compensate.”
At his lowest, he reached 176 pounds. As of July 2025, he weighed 205 pounds, making for an impressive 260-pound loss since February 2023. Most importantly, he has left behind many of the health issues that once burdened him. While he always managed to care for his patients, he now feels he can engage more effectively with the children he serves.
Shelby Nation, who coordinates the day shift at the hospital’s heart center, noted that Goode’s journey has motivated many of his colleagues to pursue healthier lifestyles as well. They often offered words of encouragement to keep him going.
“We tell him, ‘Kevin, you look great! We’re proud of you!’ Any support we can provide means a lot,” Nation remarked.
Excitingly, Goode plans to showcase his transformation on stage in October, spurred by a trainer at his gym. He will enter a transformational bodybuilding competition, evaluated on before-and-after pictures, his personal story, and how he presents himself physically.
“I’ve already won—losing the weight and transforming my life is a victory in itself,” he stated. “I want to show others that you really can achieve what you set your mind to.”
Goode is not stopping there; he’s also in the process of obtaining his certified trainer license and is set to graduate in May to become a nurse practitioner. His ultimate aim is to inspire others, reflecting on how far he has come and the confidence he’s gained to step onto a bodybuilding stage.
