Send us a text

When I started rapidly gaining weight despite maintaining my usual healthy habits, I knew something was wrong. But doctor after doctor dismissed my concerns, suggesting I simply wasn't being honest about my diet or exercise. After gaining almost 100 pounds in a single year and feeling completely desperate, I turned to Ozempic – despite being the type of person who filters water, avoids food dyes, and scrutinizes beauty products for toxins.

What followed was two years of medical hell that exposed not only the dangers of weight loss medications but also the pervasive fat bias in healthcare. After just one primer dose of Ozempic, my heart rate skyrocketed to over 200 BPM whenever I stood up. I couldn't walk my children to school or climb stairs without feeling like I was having a heart attack. Yet cardiologists insisted it couldn't be related to the medication, diagnosing me with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) while suggesting weight loss surgery rather than addressing my symptoms.

The most infuriating part of my journey wasn't just being dismissed – it was noticing how differently I was treated as my body size changed. The same doctors who listened carefully when I was thin now assumed I was lazy, dishonest about my eating habits, or simply needed to "try harder" now that I was heavier. It wasn't until I found integrative medicine through Parsley Health that someone finally looked at my symptoms holistically, identifying Hashimoto's thyroiditis, adrenal dysfunction, and other issues that had been hiding in plain sight on my "normal" blood work all along.

My story is a powerful reminder to trust your intuition about your body, become your own healthcare advocate, and seek second opinions when something feels wrong. Whether you're considering weight loss medications or struggling with unexplained health issues, remember that you deserve to be heard, you're not crazy, and sometimes the most conventional medical advice isn't what your body needs.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.