On August 28, 2015, I walked into The Wilmington Clinic for the very first time on a referral from my dental hygienist. She told me about Dr. Fiscella, the SHAPE Program, her own success of losing 50 pounds in just a few months, and assured me that he could do the same for me. I asked Dr. Fiscella about the SHAPE Program on my first visit and after discussing it with him, I became an instant believer in this new lifestyle change called the SHAPE Program and The Wilmington Clinic.
I began the SHAPE Program on September 4th with my two load days. I met with Dr. Fiscella and Patti, his assistant, who has lost 120 pounds herself on the SHAPE Program. I confided to Patti that I had always had a difficult time losing weight, and she told me that this program is a total lifestyle change and if I followed the program just as it is written, without adding or subtracting anything, that I would have the success that she and so many others have had. I can now, after just a few short months, stand before you and tell you that she certainly was correct. I have lost 60 pounds, have more energy than I ever thought possible, and the “brain fog” I had much of the time is completely gone! The SHAPE Program has taught me to make the right decisions, to avoid sugars and processed foods, and proven to me that I can be smart and disciplined in my food and exercise choices. One of my biggest problems was the sugar I was consuming in drinks alone, i.e. Starbucks and sweet tea. I have stopped those and feel so much better now that I have detoxed and lost the unhealthy excess weight.
In addition, I was on medications for various issues. I was on hypertensive medication and several medications for general and psoriatic arthritis, which was severe. I am completely off of those now, and my psoriatic arthritis has disappeared!
I still want to lose about 15 more pounds before I move into Phase II, but I am confident that I will get there soon. The recipes on the website help give me the variety I need to be successful. One of the hardest things for me was not to have any ready-to-eat salad dressing but with the recent approval of the Simple Girl salad dressings and seasonings, I know it will be even easier.
I have been asked about a million times at work what kind of “diet” I am on, and I have explained to everyone that it is not a diet but a completely new way of life! Several people I have told about the SHAPE Program have begun the program and been successful as well, so I feel that I am helping others to get into the best SHAPE and health of their lives!
Submitted by Dr. Michael Fiscella
