My Story - A Journey of Weight Loss
My 52nd Birthday - March 2023
230 Lbs
Struggling with outdoor life
My Story - A Journey of Weight Loss
Hello, my name is Mike Wheeler. My wife and I own Anchorage Weight Loss Clinic. I want to share my story of weight loss with you. My hope is that this will be more than just an inspiring story, but a story of lessons learned. Growing up I was a normal child of the 80s. Playing outside from sunup to sundown; being a wild child in the wild. I would put on some weight around my gut region and then a month later I would sprout up. Today I am 6’7" and 274 lbs. I am half way on my trek to reaching my goal weight with a healthier lifestyle.
I have cycled with weight gain and weight loss 5 times prior in my life. As the traumas compounded the weight compounded on as well. When I got tired of the health issues, chronic pain and frustration of being morbidly obese; my will power would surface and I would start the process to regain my health. This process would work and my body would become renewed and restored. I believe that the underlying problem of my cyclic weight gain, was that my core issues of compounded trauma had not been resolved. Reflecting on the chapters of my life, I find that my self-worth was shattered, and my heart, broken.
In early 2023, I found Dr. Pat Luse and the 7 Systems Plan. After researching the 7 Systems Plan and conversations with Dr. Pat Luse; I knew that this complete health solution was what I had been looking for. However, I was missing was the motivation, energy and discipline to do it one more time. I was definitely not winning at the weight loss journey and I reached out to other professionals in search of answers. I was referred to Mr. Wayne Johnson, whom assisted and introduced me to a process in releasing my trauma. After 3 trauma release sessions, I realized that I had navigated life with a pervasive sense of having no self-worth; as the weight of past experiences and trauma cast a shadow on my self-perception. The journey towards healing and self-discovery began with trauma release sessions, providing a safe space to confront and process the lingering emotional wounds. Through these sessions, I gradually untangled the knots of pain, allowing suppressed emotions to surface and be acknowledged. As the layers of trauma were peeled away, a transformative process unfolded. The release of pent-up emotions paved the way for a newfound sense of lightness, clarity and a healthy lifestyle change; which ultimately lead to weight loss.
My life was renewed and my journey laid before me. I started this journey in late July 2023, at 335 pounds. Today, November 15, 2023, I weighed in at 277 pounds. I am working the process and excited for my future of health and longevity ahead. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and this journey with you and your family. I know health awaits us all and that we can free ourselves of the heavy burdens that hold us back. Anchorage Weight Loss Clinic will walk with you through your weight loss journey. Instead of focusing on short-term, drastic measures, the 7 Systems Plan offers a more sustainable approach to weight management that involves adopting an overall healthier lifestyle; a complete health solution.
The relationship between emotional trauma and physical health is a complex and multidimensional topic that has been studied across various scientific disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and medicine. Below I have listed some areas of research that highlight the connection between emotional trauma and physical health issues:
Stress Response and Hormonal Changes:
Emotional trauma can activate the body's stress response, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Prolonged exposure to elevated stress hormones can contribute to physiological changes linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular issues, immune system suppression, and metabolic disturbances.
Reference: McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873-904.
Inflammation:
Chronic stress and emotional trauma have been associated with increased inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is implicated in the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Reference: Slavich, G. M., & Irwin, M. R. (2014). From stress to inflammation and major depressive disorder: a social signal transduction theory of depression. Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), 774-815.
Immune System Function:
Emotional trauma can impact immune function, potentially making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Changes in immune system regulation have been observed in individuals with a history of trauma.
Reference: Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601-630.
Epigenetic Changes:
Traumatic experiences may lead to epigenetic modifications, influencing gene expression and contributing to long-term health effects.
Epigenetic changes have been associated with mental health disorders and certain physical health conditions.
Reference: Yehuda, R., Daskalakis, N. P., Bierer, L. M., Bader, H. N., Klengel, T., Holsboer, F., & Binder, E. B. (2016). Holocaust exposure induced intergenerational effects on FKBP5 methylation. Biological Psychiatry, 80(5), 372-380.
Psychosomatic Disorders:
Emotional trauma can contribute to the development of psychosomatic disorders, where physical symptoms have a psychological origin.
Examples include somatic symptom disorder and functional neurological disorders.
Reference: Barsky, A. J., Orav, E. J., & Bates, D. W. (2005). Somatization increases medical utilization and costs independent of psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(8), 903-910.
It's important to note that while these studies provide insights into the relationship between emotional trauma and physical health, individual responses to trauma can vary. Additionally, the field of psychoneuroimmunology continues to evolve, and ongoing research is exploring the mechanisms underlying these connections. If you're seeking information for a specific condition or concern, it's advisable to consult recent scientific literature or speak with healthcare professionals familiar with the latest research in the field.