Patient Stories: How Sharon Found “the kind of care that obese people like me have dreamed of”

Sharon Schwartz, a caregiver who defied a lifelong struggle with obesity with Hello Alpha’s support, reflects on her transformation. Sharon's journey is a celebration of the life-changing impact of personalized care, support, and self-love. 

Sharon Schwartz is an energetic, compassionate, and inspiring woman who beams when asked about her weight loss journey. "My journey with Hello Alpha has just been the most amazing experience - second, of course, to me marrying the most amazing man five years ago,” she says. A 61-year old professional caregiver and now model, Sharon faced a lifelong struggle with obesity. With the support of her Alpha provider and care team, she discovered a level of care that truly addressed her needs, and treated her like a whole person. 

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In 1998, Sharon survived thyroid cancer, which led to the removal of her entire thyroid. With a history of obesity in her family and personal encounters with bullying, Sharon struggled with the cruelties of weight bias and discrimination. Reflecting on that time, she says: "I’ve gained then lost, gained then lost, never successful ever. And I’m short, 5’2”, so any change in my weight, you can see."

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The turning point came in the summer of 2022 when health concerns and financial struggles added more challenges in her day-to-day life. Almost on the brink of a diabetes diagnosis, she discovered Hello Alpha through a recommendation from a bariatric surgeon. "Not only have I gotten care for weight loss, but I’ve also gotten counseling, kindness, support, and accountability. If I could get hold of my provider, I would give her the biggest hug. This is the kind of care that obese people like me have dreamed of, have fought for."

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Sharon's weight loss journey with Hello Alpha was not just about shedding pounds; it was a profound transformation. Previously driven by the need to prove her self-worth through intense exercise, she found a new sense of confidence and self-love through Hello Alpha's holistic approach. "Before, the last time I tried to lose weight, I was running 7 miles/day, and I realize now that I ran to prove to myself I was still worthy."

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Sharing her incredible progress, Sharon proudly displayed before-and-after pictures that captured her journey from 175 lbs to 105 lbs. "I am now a model. This is something I wanted to do even when growing up. So now I’m a model! I care about my appearance now - I wear 6.5” heels when I model!"

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Sharon's gratitude extended to the Hello Alpha team, and she expressed her profound thanks, saying, "Thanks to Hello Alpha! Thanks to you and your team. I thank God for my husband and thank God for Hello Alpha. As long as you at Hello Alpha are there, I will be there."

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From a self-critical gaze in the mirror to a newfound self-confidence, Sharon's story underscores the transformative power of compassionate, personalized care. Her resilience and determination, combined with the compassionate care, is a heartwarming reminder that change is always possible. 

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About Hello Alpha

Hello Alpha is a virtual primary care platform that specializes in inclusive, expert care for all by bridging the gaps in women’s health. With a personalized approach catering to an individual’s unique health goals, Hello Alpha can treat more than 100 conditions ranging from allergies to eczema and diabetes to menopause. Additionally, Alpha providers will proactively help identify and manage underdiagnosed conditions while connecting patients to labs, specialists, and other essential resources. The aim is to ensure that patients feel as healthy and vibrant as possible.

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If you have questions about how Hello Alpha can help with weight loss, please check out some of the following pages: 

• Ahead with Alpha™ weight management through the lens of primary care for businesses and teams
• How Hello Alpha memberships work
• Weight loss for patients with Alpha
• How Alpha can support nutrition and diet goals with help from a registered dietitian

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You can also start a visit right now. 

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PLEASE NOTE:  THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational/educational purposes only.  No material on this site is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A patient-client relationship will only be formed after you enter into a written agreement with an Alpha provider. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs before undertaking any new healthcare regimen.

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