Carrie Schmermund

In January 2024, I saw Dr. Stuek for a gel shot in my knee. I was having a lot of trouble ambulating. I asked her about weight loss medication and she referred me to the Lifestyle Medicine Program and said many people had great results from the program. I started nutrition counseling with Kate Cohen right away, but I had to wait until April to see Dr. Starr and that’s when my life was about to be transformed.

For years I was unable to garden and participate fully in life. Stairs in my colonial home were getting harder to negotiate. I was starting to think about moving to a ranch house. It was hard to interact with my grandchildren. I am happy to report that I am able to do all kinds of gardening tasks, I run up and down the stairs and play pickleball 3 times a week in addition to taking exercise classes. I hadn’t kayaked in years and this season I’ve been going with my 12 year old grandson! I lost over 40 pounds, and my health has improved dramatically. I have a new lease on life and I’m so grateful to the team at HSS for giving me back my vitality.