10/21/2025
Same Sweater, Different Year.
Hi everyone — it’s Nick, Digital Marketing Manager for Obesity Medicine & Metabolic Wellness Center.
Every year, Dr. Teona and I take the same photo to document my journey — a visual reminder of how far I’ve come.
The first picture was taken in 2022, when I was around 450 pounds. When I first started seeing Dr. Teona, I was in the worst health of my life — weighing over 650 pounds (last picture) and battling severe lymphedema that made it impossible to lie down, sit comfortably, or even wear shoes. I was in an 8XLT shirt and 54-inch waist pants. I had become couch-bound for six months, living on my parents’ couch. I couldn’t even drive my own car.
During one of my many appointments, Dr. Teona walked in and immediately noticed that my lips and fingernails had turned purple. My oxygen levels were in the low 70s. She called 911, and I was rushed to the emergency room. After countless tests, they still couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong.
Later that night, after falling asleep, I coded. I woke up surrounded by many nurses and doctors — and I’ll never forget how terrifying that moment was.
That was my wake-up call. I spent three days in the hospital and was sent home with oxygen — but I knew it was time to change. The right kind of change.
I started small: walking to the neighbor’s driveway and back. The next day, one more driveway. Every night, I walked. The lymphedema eventually completely broke. I could finally lie down. I could finally sit like a normal person. I didn’t have to live on the couch anymore. I could drive! Eventually, Dr. Teona took me off oxygen, and I began to feel alive again.
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve lost over 316 pounds.
I wear a 3XLT shirt and 40-inch waist pants — but most importantly, I’ve gained my life back.
My journey is far from over. Every day, I’m getting stronger and healthier. At 650 pounds, I thought my life was over — but because of incredible providers like Dr. Teona Maghlakelidze, Dr. Brandon Elliott, and the entire team at Obesity Medicine & Metabolic Wellness Center, I’m here today.
I am living proof that Obesity Medicine changes lives. When you put in the work, you don’t just lose weight — you gain your life back!
My message to anyone out there struggling with obesity: don’t give up on yourself.
You are worthy. You are strong. You are loved. We only get one life — there are no do-overs, no reset buttons on time. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anything else.
Let today be the day. You deserve to live. You deserve to thrive. You deserve to be YOU!
