Discussing weight loss is an incredibly intimate thing. But you know what’s even more personal? Discussing weight gain.

For me, my weight has fluctuated more than Oprah over the last fifteen years—where I’m forever losing and gaining the same 20 – 40 pounds. When semaglutide hit the market a few years ago, I was determined to give it a try—you know, to see what all the fuss was about.

The only problem is that my body rejected Ozempic faster than my college professor rejected my dissertation topic. In three weeks, I lost a considerable amount of weight—mainly because of never-ending gastrointestinal distress. I can’t be sure, but at some point I think I actually I shit out my spleen.

It took a solid four months to get my gut health realigned. In that time, I had managed to gain back all the weight I lost—ugh, plus another seven pounds.

By the time I walked in Mirabile M.D. in Overland Park, I was at the end of my rope. I clearly needed help—and accountability. My counselor Colette didn’t just lend a helping hand, she pointed out what I was doing epically right and woefully wrong.

From Day 1, Mirabile M.D.’s nutrition team was a literal godsend as I got my proverbial act together. Mercifully, it wasn’t as difficult as I anticipated. Their foolproof “eat this, not that” list of foods helped me navigate what I put in my mouth. Yes, it was higher on protein(s)—and lower on calories and carbs.

Truthfully, my weight loss wasn’t nearly as dramatic as I would have liked. As a boy of a certain age, my metabolism had slowed down to nearly zilch. But, hey, as I quickly learned—losing a half a pound or pound per week is still a loss.

Turns out, losing is the new winning. Slow and steady weight loss is optimum for keeping the pounds off later.

Their personalized program is different for everyone—depending on your goals. They found ways to help me make wiser choices, embrace foods I normally would eschew, and be mindful of portion control.

In addition, I also received customized weekly injections filled with a copious amount of vitamins and minerals to help keep me energized and squelch my growling tummy.

I even started back on weight loss injections, opting for their custom-compounded semaglutide. It’s been a game changer in helping me feel fuller longer. You know those late night hunger pangs? Well, they’re a thing of the past.

To date, I’ve lost nearly 33 pounds (with 17 to go). Even better? I’ve become acutely aware of countless non-scale victories over the last fifteen months. For one, I’ve got more pep in my step. Eating carb-tastic garbage (carb-age?) made me perpetually tired. With that extra energy, it allows me to be more active—and sleep like a rock at night.