GLP and Me

John P. Stelmach, MD
Medical Director & Founder

How I got here, I don't know. Well, actually, I do know; I just want to kid myself about it. Let me tell you where I am because a lot of people are here with me. I'm 63, and I had a BMI that was out of control, at least for me. It sneaks up on you like the buildup of sludge at the bottom of a pond. Silently below the surface, out of plain sight, it starts to accumulate. You don't notice it, but it doesn't stop — day after day, year after year. One day, you wake up, and the pond is full.

I am an orthopedic surgeon with 33 years in practice. You'd think I'd know better, and I do know better. The fact that I'm well-versed in all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, physiology, exercise, and nutrition didn't help. I've also operated through nine inches of fat to get to someone's hip joint; that didn't help me lose weight. I'm also very disciplined because becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires a lot of it. In other words, I had knowledge, discipline, and a BMI of 37.

If you're over 50 and have a BMI above 35, the only way you're going to lose weight and keep it off is by using GLP-1 medications. That's the fact.

The Wolf of Food Noise

For whatever biochemical, neurological, or scientific reason, the bottom line is there's a perception of hunger that's always there. It doesn't matter if it's physiological or psychological; it doesn't go away. It's the little devil that sits on your shoulder and whispers, "Eat; it's okay, we'll make up a reason why it's fine."

This voice, often called food noise, is like a pack of wolves hunting an elk. They don't jump on the elk and kill it because there's too high a risk of injury. Instead, they wound it and have patience. They run the animal down relentlessly until the wounds weaken it to the point where it can go no further. The elk didn't stop because it lacked discipline; it stopped because it could persevere no longer. Such is food noise: it never stops until it wears you out and you quit.

Exercise Is a Terrible Way to Lose Weight

Hold on — I know what you're thinking. That's not what I said. I said exercise is a terrible way to lose weight. Exercise is essential for your health and very good for you. It just doesn't address the major cause of obesity, which is food noise. In fact, it makes food noise worse. The more active I am, the more I eat and crave food. Food noise wins again.

My GLP-1 Journey

When I started on a GLP-1, it was like a miracle. I stopped obsessing about food constantly. When I eat, I get full quickly and stay full for a long time, like a normal person. I finally put the wolf in the zoo and out of my life.

Regarding side effect concerns, I looked at it this way: at 63 with a BMI of 37, the endgame is known. If there are side effects, they must be weighed against the benefits of being overweight instead of obese. For me, it's worth the risk.

All I know is there are 42 pounds less of me, and I feel a ton better.

If you're considering GLP-1s, you have to understand food noise and rejoice at the prospect of getting rid of it. At Keystone Wellness & Weight Loss Center, we guide you every step of the way — because no one should have to fight the wolf alone.