I've been overweight basically my whole life. It didn’t always feel like something that needed to be “solved,” until it did. That realization admittedly hurt a little…I was just living my life. What was I doing wrong?
Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about Ozempic® and I tried to get some on my own but was bamboozled by insurance. When I heard of Sunrise, a doctor-led and individualized weight loss program, I wondered if they could help me find what could work for me. I jumped at the chance to try it out.
My Maze Through Weight Loss
I know everyone says they’ve tried everything, but really: I’ve dipped my toe in systems that have been around forever like Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine, the Atkins diet. I’ve tried newer trends like keto. I made the difficult and scary decision to get weight-loss surgery, but when it was canceled 2 days prior to my surgery date due to COVID, my desire fizzled.
I gave calorie restriction an honest go, and actually I did lose 90 pounds that way in my early twenties. Promptly after that incredible effort, though, I became a dad and gained it all back, and then some. That approach relied on my full attention and effort, and was too flimsy to withhold the demands of parenthood.
Sunrise Stepped In ☀️
So, where did that leave me? What could I possibly do to lose the weight, realistically, in a way that would make sense for who I am? I was told by a friend that Sunrise might have an answer for me.
It appealed to me because I’ve heard about people having profound experiences with Ozempic®, a medication used for long-term weight management. It’s not just the one product Sunrise offers, though—their doctors work with you to find what does.
Sunrise paired me up with someone who explained the process to me, which allows you to get started for just $9 per month. I started by filling out a questionnaire about my health, history, and habits. I was connected with a doc who told me how Ozempic® would work, and then wrote me a prescription.
Because I was between ages 18-64, a US resident, and had a few other eligibility factors, I was on my way!
Every Good Story Has a Conflict
Alas, my prescription was struck down by insurance. Sunrise worked to file an appeal—this felt so supportive—but in the end Ozempic® was still denied.
So, we overcame it together. Sunrise actually linked me with another doctor who said he wanted to try me on something called Contrave®. They sent me documentation on it, and I read through it. Honestly, I was really hesitant to try it. Even though I was told I could lose up to 7% of my body weight, it works similar to an antidepressant, and I didn’t feel comfortable with that.
The doctor connected with me on the phone to address my concerns. He started me on 1 pill per day, adding 1 each week until I was up to 4 pills per day. I discussed it with my wife and decided to give it a go.
I was pleasantly surprised that Sunrise stuck by my side. I’ve never had this happen before.
My Weight Loss Meds Are Working, Here’s How
This story has a happy ending. Contrave® worked basically immediately for me.*
I’m 3 weeks into using Contrave® and I’m down 15 pounds.
It works by basically shutting off the “desire to eat” portion of your brain. I still have an appetite, but it’s only when I’m actually hungry. This has helped me change my habits around snacking and, as other parents might identify with, finishing my picky kids’ meals.
My favorite part is that I haven’t had to restrict myself in any way; I eat what I want, I’m just eating less of it. I typically eat two meals per day since taking Contrave®. Overall, it's been a dream come true for me.
I Honestly Owe My Weight Loss to Sunrise
I’m not fooling myself—I recognize that Contrave® is a tool. It’s still up to me to commit to habits that lead to losing the weight.
But I still feel gratitude toward Sunrise. Sunrise doctors wrote me the prescription for this stuff, yes. But they also provided the listening ear, the caring interactions, and the “going to bat” for me that gave me the confidence to continue on this route.
I notice my habits changing already, I see this lifestyle feeling sustainable for me, and I feel certain this is my moment for weight loss.
