Meet Sean Miller
10:18 AM
For Sean Miller, what started out as a weight-loss effort
has morphed into a life-changing transformation that goes far beyond the
physical benefits. "I've changed my outsides and improved my health, but I
feel remarkably changed on the inside too," says the GBMC COMP patient.
"I've become strong-willed and motivated. I set goals and go for them
without the same old struggles."
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| Sean with fellow COMPto5K participant Lisa |
Sean had been overweight for his entire life, seemingly
trying everything under the sun to shed excess pounds, but the weight always
came back. At one point, he even lost 150 pounds, but like many who experience
tragedy, Sean turned to food as a comfort following the traumatic death of a
parent. He felt unmotivated, heavier than ever and close to giving up, but
decided to pursue weight loss surgery instead. Sean felt an immediate
connection with GBMC.
"I was at ease and comfortable with GBMC right
away," Sean says. Due to issues with his schedule, he got the opportunity
to be a patient of both Elizabeth Dovec, MD and Gustavo Bello, MD. "I've
never met doctors with so much personality and compassion," he says.
"They are just both so fantastic that I wish they could be my primary care
doctors."
Part of what has impressed Sean so much about the doctors is
their responsiveness and desire to make the weight loss program truly
comprehensive. Dr. Dovec and Dr. Bello have joined patients in the weekly COMPto5K
trainings on Saturday mornings.
As participants train for GBMC's annual Father’s
Day 5K to benefit the NICU, they improve their health and athleticism right
alongside their doctors, while forming a support community along the way.
"We exercise together, progress as a group, make friends and celebrate
each other's victories," Sean says. "It's a fun group. Everyone
brings their families and I love the camaraderie."
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| "I love the camaraderie," Sean says. |
In addition to improving his race time and hitting new
weight and fitness goals, Sean has unexpectedly found himself becoming a role
model for others. "I've had struggles and pitfalls, times when I didn't
know where to turn," he says. When he reached out to other COMP patients,
whether in person or on their Facebook support group, he was met with
encouragement and advice. "They gave me the pushes I needed along the way,
and now I'm seeing myself as a mentor in return," he says. "People
look to me for inspiration and tips. I never knew I could influence others in
positive ways. It's eye-opening."
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| "We are folks from all walks of life." |
Thinking back on all the weight he's gained and lost, and
the different bumps and victories along the way, Sean says he wouldn't change a
thing. At one point, he was even being considered as a contestant on the
Biggest Loser, but he's glad life led him to GBMC's COMP program instead.
"Hands down, if I had to do this all over again, I would choose this
group, this experience," he says. "I really love the practice here
and have never experienced this level of care. Everyone is just so
genuine."
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