Medical Weight Loss: A Co-Learner’s Journey
I have struggled with my weight since high school. Then with my first pregnancy, I gained a considerable amount more. I’ve asked so many doctors for help, joined countless programs, read numerous books, taken classes, and none provided long-term hope or change because it was all based on willpower and pure grit. ‘Calories in – calories out’ they’d say, (as if it were that simple when my brain/thoughts tripped me up so much). In the past, doctors had suggested I use the drug phentermine to jump start my weight loss, but they didn’t know how to explain it well, and I didn’t feel comfortable taking something that sounded so extreme.
I met with Michael (Mike) Shaw, PA-C, ABAAHP, for the first time in April 2018 at the Riordan Clinic. He took the time to really listen to what I was dealing with, and explain the steps of the program. I went into the appointment with the mindset that I was going to refuse the prescription but try everything else (which hadn’t worked in the past – but maybe this time??). Mike made me feel comfortable that it was a safe tool to use in addition to a lifestyle change. I have been continuing to see Mike, and follow the Lifestyle Rx+ program, for about three months, and I am very happy with the progress! I feel completely in control of each day, and am actually enjoying the journey, which I never would have thought possible.
Day-to-day I don’t feel any different, other than food isn’t the focus of my thoughts anymore. Because I’m not obsessing over it, I am enjoying other things and getting more done with my day. I can make better decisions more easily because food just isn’t as important to me anymore. My sugar cravings have all but subsided, and I’m finding that the weeks are passing quickly as I don’t mind this new lifestyle at all. I haven’t felt deprived or stressed. The guilt that I had carried with me for almost two decades has lifted. When I start to feel those same thoughts of shame or embarrassment for letting my weight get so out of control, I quickly say to myself, ‘I’m doing it. I’m in the process of making the changes I need. That’s all I can do.’ and I move on. Having hope and knowing that I am making long-term changes toward better health is priceless. I am so glad I trusted Mike and started when I did. – Erin M., Wichita, KS
