Welcome to the first blog of Meet Dr. Steve
January 28, 2019
Navigating Personal Transformation: Meet Dr. Steve's Weight Loss Journey
Welcome to the first blog post of Meet Dr. Steve, where we embark on a journey of personal transformation. Life often presents challenges that push us into unfamiliar territories, and for me, that challenge was my weight. Join me as I share my experiences, the struggles, and the triumphs that have molded me into the resilient individual standing before you today.
Embracing the Joys of Youth: A Personal Reflection by Dr. Steve
The importance of savoring the joys of childhood cannot be overstated for healthy growth. However, my journey took a turn for the challenging during Elementary school. The once-innocent dynamics of childhood shifted as cliques formed, and unfortunately, I became the target of bullying. Politics seemed to work against me, and although I was a well-behaved child, I struggled with acceptance. It was bewildering – everyone adored my siblings, yet I lacked the supportive friendships they enjoyed.
As a child, I was inherently larger in build, but what I failed to grasp was the severity of my underlying health issues. I was the kid with chronic ear infections, a consistent consumer of antibiotics. Digestive problems plagued my early years, oscillating between bouts of constipation and diarrhea. My childhood narrative was a cycle of doctor visits for my inability to attend class due to frequent illness. Pepto Bismol tablets became a daily ritual prescribed by my mother, a precautionary measure in the absence of effective medical solutions. The medical community then struggled to comprehend gut health intricacies.
My gut issues originated from a history of antibiotic use, triggering a cascade of challenges, including persistent weight problems that fueled the bullying I faced from the tender age of seven. Being a right-brained, sensitive child, the bullying left a lasting impact on my psyche.
During my early years, my parents weren't vigilant about their health and dietary choices. Buffets were our family's go-to dining option due to financial constraints. Eating evolved into a familial pastime, a cherished part of our Italian heritage. Indulging in copious amounts of food became a norm.
Unbeknownst to me, my paternal grandparents had a profound history of heart disease, with life expectancies rarely exceeding 67. The wakeup call came early, and I'm grateful for it. Recognizing that I had dug a metaphorical hole, I resolved to climb out of it. I am resilient, akin to a lion – a symbol of strength and determination. Join me in this journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Navigating the Challenges: From Bullying to Self-Discovery - Dr. Steve's Baseball Journey
One of the most formidable challenges I faced during my school years stemmed from my baseball buddies, the companions I had grown up with since childhood. While we were friends and teammates on the field, off the field in the school hallways, I felt like I didn't measure up. I wasn't invited to Regency Stuart movies or birthday parties, experiencing a sense of exclusion that lingered like a shadow. Baseball players, as I came to realize, could be tough friends—quick to celebrate victories but equally swift to criticize during setbacks. I became the target of their taunts.
Upon entering college, I was determined to start anew, free from bullying, politics, and high school drama. Armed with this resolution, I embarked on a baseball journey with my two best friends in the heart of West Palm Beach. Little did I anticipate the challenges that lay ahead. As a freshman in the starting lineup, the local papers in Stuart and Palm Beach began featuring me and my friends. However, the demands of feeding 30 teammates in a limited timeframe led to unhealthy dietary choices—fast food became the default solution. I packed on 30 pounds, earning myself nicknames like Fat Feeney, Chubs, Fatty, and Hootie.
Undeterred, I shed the weight entering my sophomore year, now dubbed "Skinny Feeney." However, at 200 pounds, I was hardly "skinny." Returning as a leader, I excelled in pitching, leading PBA in ERA, wins, and saves. I was poised for a breakout year with hopes of reaching the professional level. Yet, midseason, the toxic effects of college drinking caught up with me, leading to inflammation and a significant injury. I lost my chance at pro scouting opportunities, a heartbreaking realization that marked the end of my baseball career.
At 20 years old, I transitioned into adulthood, recognizing that my future in baseball was over. I shifted my focus to academics and supporting myself by bartending across Palm Beach. However, the neglect of my health led to a significant weight gain. Waking up one day to a scale reading of 278 pounds, I was alarmed. My waist size had surpassed 40 inches, edging towards 42. As I prepared for my chiropractic journey in the coming eight weeks, I used this impending transformation as motivation.
Having recently ended a relationship, I was poised to embark on a new chapter. Despite my eagerness for a fresh start, I set a goal to lose 20 pounds in eight weeks, determined not to carry the label of "total fatty." This marked the beginning of a pivotal period of self-discovery, a journey to reclaim my health and reshape my future.
Rising Above: Dr. Steve's Weight Loss and Wellness Odyssey
Offended? Indeed! Thus began my weight loss journey, but this time, I encountered a different form of challenge - bullying in my chiropractic class. The atmosphere was dominated by left-brain enthusiasts from Pennsylvania, fixated on muscles and ego. I decided to distance myself from these individuals and sought out like-minded people for my brand new start.
Embracing the P90x program, I experienced rapid weight loss, shedding 25 pounds. However, despite salads and reduced carb intake, the weight loss plateaued, leading to frustration. A helpful professor at school enlightened me about liver toxicity, emphasizing the importance of detox. Following a 7-day detox, I resumed my journey with mild yet consistent net weight loss.
With a desire to lose an additional 25 pounds, I set my sights on a sprint triathlon in Daytona Beach - a 1/4 mile swim, 12-mile bike, and a 3-mile run. Daily training at the YMCA, inspired by Lochey's Olympic aspirations, became a routine. Despite reaching 225 pounds and feeling temporarily comfortable, I hungered for further weight loss.
Transitioning into Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding program, my strength in the gym soared. However, I still sought the lean body I desired. Determined to break through the plateau, I burned another 25 pounds during triathlon training. Yet, another plateau loomed. Remembering the detox trick, I decided to detox once more, reigniting my weight loss journey.
Weight loss wasn't just a physical transformation; it became a mental and emotional endeavor. I rediscovered the profound impact of a healthy gut on overall well-being. The microbiome, a crucial player in mood regulation, prompted me to heavily promote detoxing in my office. My personal experience inspired me to delve into functional medicine studies over the last three years, earning me the title of the "microbiome master."
People often ask about my healthy, great skin. The secret lies in caring for my gut. Consuming fish oil for a decade has been a consistent part of my routine, and it's a practice I encourage others to adopt. My journey has transformed me into a dedicated practitioner, driven to help individuals with symptoms that traditional approaches may overlook. I am that Doc - the different one, the lion.
X marks the Spot: Dr. Steve's Journey of Transformation
Plot it and grow. Journeys are not always easy, but we all have one to get through. My gut was so messed up my entire life. When you struggle with a poor gut, you make decisions that you wouldn’t normally do, and it becomes habitual. I can’t believe that I let my surroundings hurt me that bad. Everybody has their dark clouds and fears to overcome. God blessed me with appetite! I’ve realized I can eat a lot of food, but I just need to make better choices and listen to my body. If you eat something and you look pregnant after, that’s not normal. I was making insane money bartending at a young age and just blew off my health. The names I endured since I was a kid about being heavy or fat could never be explained. That’s the truth. It hurts deep. It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you have no health. Lesson learned. Detoxing is real and it saved my life. The bullying since I was a kid has made me the lion I am today. I like to win, but I like to earn it.
I express detoxing in my office a lot. I also practice a lot of stool testing to get an exact diagnosis of what is going on in your gut. I look at it like you have 3 things to rule out. One, we have to repair something. Two, we need to kill off something, or the third option is food sensitivities are causing this. A stool test tells exactly the story you’re looking for. I promise. Why don’t the other Doctors practice this? Who knows, but I do! It is necessary.
My gut was my reason for being misunderstood. I learned this so late in life, but now I have my whole life to live in the present. Misunderstood does not have to be explained. I’ve been misunderstood my entire life, and now I fully understand why. It’s because I am different. That’s how you have to approach this. I’ve had to step out of many comfort zones in this life. Sometimes you have to.
When I hear someone make fun of people for being fat, I will walk away and not listen to it. It’s offensive. It’s not nice. You never know what someone is going through. Offer them help. Send them to me. I will help them. I became a Chiropractor for so many reasons with a big chip on my shoulder. I still have that chip because I still have so much growth to do. I’ve always been the dreamer and the goal achiever. I’m on my way. I am a lion.
#HealthTransformation #GutHealth #FitnessGoals #HealthyLiving #WellnessOdyssey
