THE WEIGHT IS OVER!

In the quiet of April 2022, tears streamed down my face as I dialed my best friend’s number. Desperation clung to my voice—I needed something to wear for a family event. None of my current clothes fit, even my largest size 22 pants. The plus-sized section of the store became my battleground, and embarrassment gnawed at my confidence. The mirror reflected a reality I couldn’t ignore: I was trapped in a body that no longer felt like mine.

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Then came the rollercoaster incident—a moment etched into memory. My teenage son and I stood in line, anticipation bubbling. But when I tried to buckle the safety restraint, it wouldn’t close. Shame washed over me as I stepped off the ride, my heart heavy with humiliation.

 

                            That was the tipping point—THE LAST STRAW!

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I embarked on a journey that would redefine my existence. Prescription-assisted weight loss entered my life, and everything changed, even my job! Food no longer held me captive; it no longer dictated my every waking thought 24/7. Instead, I found myself having my little kids remind me to feed them—something unimaginable before. In that first week, I turned to my husband,  “ HOLY SHIT … is this what normal people feel like!?!?” The revelation hit me like a lightning bolt. For years, I had lived with a gnawing hunger—an insatiable craving that drove me to consume more than my body needed. But suddenly, I could savor a single piece of French toast and feel wholly satisfied. ( instead of the 4+pieces I would have eaten beforehand). The switch had flipped, and I reveled in newfound balance.

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Yet, my journey wasn’t just personal; it was a battle against misconceptions. Medical providers often wielded the same tired advice. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard, “Exercise more, eat less.” If that formula worked, why did I still feel like a beached whale, gasping for help? The truth lay in the science—the intricate dance of hormones that governed my body. Obesity wasn’t mere laziness; it was a chronic condition with far-reaching consequences.

Let me say that again “WE ARE NOT LAZY! OBESITY IS A CHRONIC DISEASE!”

I implore medical professionals to open their eyes—to read the latest studies, to recognize the complexity of obesity. If a medication exists to correct the hormonal imbalance driving this struggle, why hesitate? When faced with sky-high blood pressure, doctors prescribe lifelong medications without hesitation. Obesity deserves the same urgency.

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These medications are NOT magic; they are tools. Coupled with diet and exercise, they offer hope to those like me—a fighting chance against a relentless adversary. Responsible prescribing, even via telehealth, can transform lives. I’ve witnessed it firsthand in my practice.

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And so, I advocate for understanding. Let’s shatter the stigma surrounding obesity. Let’s acknowledge that these medications aren’t shortcuts but lifelines. I’d rather inject myself weekly than succumb to obesity’s complications. Just as blood pressure medication maintains equilibrium, these drugs recalibrate our internal struggles.

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My journey continues—a tapestry woven with resilience and newfound freedom. Let’s rewrite the narrative: Obesity isn’t a character flaw; it’s a battle we fight daily. And in that fight, we find strength, hope, and the promise of a healthier tomorrow. You are not alone—I’m here to support you! I have been there and I can guarantee I will try my hardest to get you to where you want to be.