I’ve had issues with my weight all my life, starting as young as eight years old. Over the years, I was constantly losing weight and gaining it back—over and over again. I felt like I was on a roller coaster that made my body feel like a stretched-out rubber band.
Going about daily life was a struggle. I was constantly thinking about how many steps it would take to get up and go where I wanted. I would sit in a chair and wonder if I would break it. Even going to restaurants, I would scan available tables to see where I would be able to sit comfortably. It was exhausting.
In 2016, my wife and I planned a trip to Hawaii to celebrate our anniversary. But as we boarded the plane, all I could think about was that I would have to use a seatbelt extender and how that would make me feel. What was supposed to be a special occasion for both of us was overshadowed by my weight worries.
At this point, I knew I needed to find a solution—once and for all. In my research, I learned about CONTRAVE and brought up the medication to my doctor for her opinion. With her help, I started CONTRAVE (along with eating healthy and moving more) that same year. With this new plan, I was finally able to feel in control of my cravings and manage portions. I found if I wanted a cookie, I could eat a cookie without feeling like I wanted to eat the entire bag.
My weight loss success has impacted my life in so many ways. Most importantly, it has given me the freedom to be more comfortable with who I am and the desire to want to do more. I no longer dread all the steps it would take me to get somewhere. I was able to get back to physical activities I had previously enjoyed, including Zumba, hiking, and biking.
Recently, I did a hike that required me to traverse rocky paths and cross over creeks, things I didn’t think I could do at 60 years of age and with a lifetime of weight struggles. Achieving all of this made me realize that with confidence, all goals are within reach.
Because now, I know I can reach my future goals—no matter what they are—because I have proved I can commit to myself. Even if I experience a setback along the way, I still know where I’m going and keep working to get there.
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