About eight years ago, I started noticing that I was gaining weight slowly and steadily. I hadn’t had issues with my weight before but before I knew it, I had gained over 60lbs. I was very active with indoor cycling (before it was cool) but I had stopped paying attention to what I was eating, despite getting older.
As the pounds came on, I started to hate looking at photos of myself and refused to be in photos. The person I saw in photographs felt completely disconnected from the person I felt like on the inside. Before my daughter's wedding, we went wedding dress shopping. When she finally found her dress, everyone who joined us wanted to take photos and I refused. I wanted to give her the biggest hug, but I was so self-conscious and embarrassed I skipped the photos.
I said “no” like that a lot. I refused to go out and lacked confidence. It was starting to take a toll on me. I would get into spirals of self-hate and eat to feel better. Before long I was gaining more weight and started feeling pain in my feet and ankles. A new cycle appeared where the pain would prevent me from exercising like I used to be able to.
Then I started experiencing headaches, dizziness, and heart palpitations. My doctor diagnosed me with high blood pressure and started me on medication. That was a real eye-opener for me as I worked in healthcare as a mammographer, spending my days talking to women about their health. The advice I was giving them, I was not doing for myself.
For years, I tried about every diet under the sun to lose weight. I would start a diet and get on the scale every few days, only to see the number go up or stay the same. I was defeated and thought about giving up but I decided I would talk to my doctor about how I could break the cycle of cravings and overeating. I did some online research on options beforehand and discovered CONTRAVE.
At my next visit, she first recommended another option, but I asked my doctor about CONTRAVE instead. She thought it made sense for my situation and started me on the recommended CONTRAVE dosage along with diet and exercise. My local pharmacist helped me save time and money by telling me about the CurAccess Program. Since my insurance didn’t cover my medication, I was able to get CONTRAVE for $99 a month via the Ridgeway Mail-order Pharmacy.
I noticed that on CONTRAVE I wasn’t experiencing food cravings like before. The medication has helped me build a foundation of healthy habits that prioritize my health, like cutting out sweets and drinking more water and less alcohol. I also incorporate more movement into my day, like regular half-hour treadmill lunch breaks at work. On the weekends, I am still able to go enjoy a night out with my husband but I make healthier choices and stick to proper portion sizes.
My family has noticed I’ve completely changed. I’ve lost weight, yes, but it is so much more than that. I’m able to enjoy the company of the people around me. I don’t mind taking photos during important milestones and memories and I always say "yes" to new adventures.
I’ve also helped some curious friends and family members connect with their doctors and ask about CONTRAVE for themselves. You’re like a different person, they say. And I know they’re not just talking about the weight. It’s about all of it.
*Disclaimer: Real patient taking CONTRAVE at the time of their interview. Individual results may vary. Photos and story used with permission.
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