A New Lease on Life

A New Lease on Life

Allison Mitchell had not seen a primary doctor in a long time and knew it was time for a check-up. In November 2023, she made an appointment at Boone Health Primary Care – Broadway with Sarah McBee, FNP. 

“Sarah was so nice,” Allison shares. “Because I hadn’t seen a primary in a long time, I had a list of things I wanted to talk about. And by the time I left, I had an appointment to see dermatology, a physical therapy referral because my hips were hurting and an appointment at the weight loss clinic.”

Allison was able to get an appointment at Boone Health Bariatric Clinic just a few days later where she met with a dietitian and Sarah Smith, FNP. Knowing she didn’t want to have surgery but had also heard some horrible things about the weight loss shot, Allison was feeling a little hesitant about her weight loss journey. But after talking to Sarah Smith, FNP, she decided to take the weight loss shot and was prescribed her first dose that day.

“It was just so easy to start the program,” Allison said. “They just make you feel so comfortable.”

Allison went back every month to see her dietitian and Nurse Practitioner. At each appointment, they would check her Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a numerical value that is calculated using a person’s individual weight and height. It is commonly used to categorize people into different weight statuses: underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. BMI is widely used in healthcare because it is easy to calculate and provides a quick overview of potential weight-related health risks. 

After eight months, Allison lost 100 pounds. “I’ve been able to go from a 3X to an XL and it’s been really, really nice. I’m steadily losing weight. I don’t know what my goal weight is yet, but I’m excited about already losing 100 pounds!” Allison said.

Armed with new recipes from the dietitians, Allison likes to cook now and try new recipes. She also makes better decisions throughout the day. “My whole diet has changed,” Allison said. “With the shot, I’m not as hungry, but I know I’m going to get 2 good meals in during the day, and I want them to be meals I like.” 

  After she started losing weight, Allison noticed how much more energy she has. She exercises more, loves to go shopping and enjoys getting out and doing things. “I literally went swimming at a water park not too long ago,” Allison shares. Before her weight loss, she admits that she was more self-conscious to do those things. 

Back in November, Allison had also been referred to physical therapy because she was having hip pain. After several visits at Boone Health Therapy Services, Allison’s hip pain was gone. “They did an awesome job,” Allison said. “They gave me things to work out with, pamphlets to do at home and were just very nice people.”

Due to inherited heart conditions, Allison has also been a patient of Elliott James, MD, a cardiologist at MO Heart Associates for several years. “Dr. Elliott is my best friend. I absolutely love him,” Allison gushes. “He is happy I’m losing weight. I didn’t realize how much I weighed until I saw him awhile ago after losing weight. I thought, ‘My Goodness! I was that heavy?’”

Having a great support system has also helped Allison along this journey. Both of her parents live in town along with her brother, nieces and nephews. They are a close nit family. Her father is a pastor at a local church, and Allison has a huge support system from her church family.

Now, Allison is not afraid to take on new adventures. “I can do more now,” she says. “I want to try it all.” She’s planning trips and looking forward to traveling without all this extra weight. “If I would have known this was an option,” Allison says, “I would have done this years ago. Boone Hospital has literally saved my life.”

By Erin Wegner