Patient images & testimonial shared after written consent)
I have struggled with my weight and body image for most of my life. Even when I was ok with my weight, I have never been satisfied with how my body looks (specifically my lower body). I spent many years trying so many different diets. I was always able to lose about 20-30 lbs, but I’d eventually give up and gain back everything I lost, plus a little more. I was very unhappy with my body and my weight, and it severely impacted my mental and emotional health – I considered myself a failure. I have always had a disproportionate body shape, with large, painful legs. In 2018 I was diagnosed with lipedema and lymphedema (lipo-lymphedema); although this diagnosis gave me some comfort in the sense that I now had a reason for the way my legs looked and felt, it also came with disappointment in realizing that I likely would never have the body I had always wanted without surgery (and even that isn’t a guarantee – the doctor who diagnosed me said “you may just exchange one deformity for another”). Although I was sure I’d be able to make a change, now that I had more information about my condition, I achieved the opposite. Instead of losing weight and becoming healthier, I continued to gain weight. For 7 years I have worked out 3-4 times a week with Camp Gladiator, but I continued to gain weight. I tried eating low carb, and I lost weight, but I felt the lifestyle was unsustainable, so I gained the weight back. During covid lockdowns, I worked out 6-7 times a week, and I continued to gain weight. In 2022 at my annual physical, I mentioned to my primary care doctor that I was struggling with weight gain and lipedema and just didn’t know what to do; she suggested I call Dr. Mittal.
It took about a month before I made the call – I was embarrassed and overwhelmed and not ready to fail again. After I spoke to Dr. Mittal, I was kicking myself for not calling sooner!
From my very first appointment, I appreciated that Dr. Mittal took the time to listen to my history and my concerns and develop a food and medication plan tailored to meet my needs and goals. At each appointment with Dr. Mittal, I felt she really spent time talking to me, getting to know me, and then helping me figure out what would work best and be sustainable. Together we created monthly goals – try a new food, try a new exercise, journal 2 wins for the day (one of my favorites), talk about what went well and what didn’t in the previous month, and make a plan for the next month. During the month, Dr. Mittal (and later Cindy) would review my food journal and touch base weekly to provide guidance and encouragement. The monthly visits really helped break this journey into what seemed like reasonable, bite-sized pieces. In about 16 months I lost almost 75 pounds and 10 inches off my waist (and I’ve maintained that loss for the last 3 months)! As important as what I have lost though is what I have gained; I can go up my stairs without being out of breath, I can lean over and tie my shoes without being uncomfortable, I can run when I workout (I’m still slow, but I’m no longer just walking), I’ve gone up from 15 lb dumbbells to 20 & 25 lb dumbbells, I’ve tried (and liked) tons of different, healthy foods, I have a much better idea of what a healthy meal looks like and what proper portion sizes are, and probably most important, I feel good. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, I feel much better than I have in many years, and for that, I am extremely thankful to Dr. Mittal and her crew!
