MY SUCCESS
In June 2009, my life was out of control. I took medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux. After back surgery and two hip replacements, I still had chronic pain. Because physical activity hurt, I no longer did the things I enjoyed. My weight contributed to my pain and decreased mobility; the more I hurt, the less I moved, the less I moved, the more weight I gained, the more weight I gained, the more I hurt. I was stuck in a vicious cycle and something had to change.
I considered gastric bypass or lap band surgery, but it didn’t feel like the right choice for me. Then I started to notice that several people I worked with were losing weight. When I would ask them how they were doing it, the answer was always the same, “Dr. Hempel is helping me”.
So, I made an appointment, and on June 4th, 2009, I took the first step toward changing my life. This is still a work in progress, but in seven months, I lost 80 pounds. It isn’t always easy, but the support and encouragement that I get from Dr. Hempel and his staff has helped so much. He works with me to find ways that I can exercise without making my pain worse. And when I get discouraged about how far I still need to go, he reminds me of how far I have come. His approach is sensible, realistic and practical. I could write a book about how much he has helped me, but I think my pictures are worth a thousand words.
My story is not unique, and I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to not give up hope. With the support and guidance that Dr Hempel provides, anyone can take that first step. After that, you just keep taking one step at a time. Along the way, you develop the habits you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am only half way to my goal, but I already feel so much better than when I started. Check back in on me next fall, to find out how the second half of my journey goes!