For Brandy Holt, of Vandalia, Missouri, turning 50 was a pivotal point. Having lost both of her parents in their 60s, she began thinking more about her own health and future. At just 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 217 pounds at her heaviest, Brandy knew she needed to make a change. “I knew I needed to do something,” Brandy says. “I wanted to be healthier, and I wanted to be around longer for my son.”
Brandy had tried numerous diets over the years, but any progress she made was often short-lived. She exercised regularly, yet even that could be a struggle. Keeping up with exercise classes was difficult, and when she tried to run, she would become so winded that she had to stop. Despite her efforts, she struggled to achieve lasting results on her own. She realized she needed professional guidance and support to help her find a path forward.
Brandy had met several people who had experienced success through Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions. Hearing their stories encouraged her to reach out and explore her options. Brandy wasn't sure whether weight-loss medication would be enough to help her reach her goals or if surgery might be the better option. After considering the possibilities, Brandy decided to pursue medical weight loss.
She was referred to Dr. Richie Goriparthi, a General and Bariatric Surgeon who helped her understand the medications available and guided her through the process. “Dr. Goriparthi was wonderful,” Brandy says. “He helped educate me about the medications and helped me navigate my choices. It was nice to have someone to check in with and help me make adjustments along the way.” For Brandy, having a team she could turn to made a meaningful difference. Instead of feeling like she had to figure everything out on her own, she had professional guidance and ongoing support as she worked toward her goals.
Brandy's experience with Dr. Goriparthi also made a difference in another area of her health. For years, she had struggled with gallbladder problems. She felt her concerns had often been dismissed, with medications providing only temporary relief. When another gallbladder issue arose while she was under Dr. Goriparthi's care, he took her concerns seriously and arranged for surgery to remove her gallbladder. After the procedure, they discovered over 75 gallstones. The experience reinforced for Brandy the importance of having a provider who listens, takes concerns seriously and helps patients find solutions.
Today, Brandy weighs 125 pounds, having lost a total of 92 pounds. She has reached her goal weight and entered the maintenance phase of her journey, where a low-dose maintenance medication helps her stay on track. But for Brandy, the transformation has been about much more than a number on the scale. Before starting medication, she felt as though food occupied much of her attention and shaped her daily decisions. The medication helped quiet the constant focus on food, allowing her to concentrate more on living her life. “Taking the hunger component out of it helped me make better choices,” Brandy explains.
She also began noticing changes in her food preferences. Foods she once rarely considered became more appealing, and she found herself craving healthier options. Even her longstanding cravings for chocolate began to fade. With less focus on food, Brandy found it easier to make choices that supported her health and maintain the progress she had worked so hard to achieve. One of the most rewarding parts of Brandy's weight-loss journey has been seeing what she can accomplish physically. Exercise, which once left her struggling to keep up, has become something she can enjoy with greater confidence. She can now keep pace in her exercise classes and even run long distances without having to stop to catch her breath.
Her commitment to a healthier lifestyle has not only changed how she feels about herself, but has also influenced her family. Her husband has started making healthier food choices, and the two regularly take walks together. What began as a personal decision to improve her health has become an opportunity for them to build healthier habits together. Brandy encourages others who have struggled with their weight to consider reaching out for professional help. Her experience has taught her that seeking help isn't a sign of failure. “It's not taking the easy way out,” Brandy says. “It's just asking for the right tools to help you get where you want to be.”
Through Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions, Brandy found a team that listened to her concerns, helped her understand her options and supported her throughout the process. She has achieved her weight-loss goals, improved her ability to stay active and made lasting changes that benefit her entire family.
For more information about how Hannibal Regional’s Weight Management Solutions can help you, call (573) 248-5407.