Welcome to White Onyx Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetics…

In my early 20s, I joined the military. Continuing my active lifestyle and learning more about nutrition could prevent that fear from becoming a reality. While serving on active duty, I became interested in individual fitness pursuits like running and triathlons. Although I had never been a long-distance athlete, I wanted to challenge myself, learn how to train for endurance events and adopt a nutritionally balanced diet to prevent obesity and the chronic health issues that often accompany it.

After two overseas deployments, however, I began to struggle significantly with my mental health. I found myself in a very dark place. I lost interest in working out and staying active. I had no energy and felt mentally drained. Food became a comforting coping mechanism. The negative self-image I had carried for years fed into a pattern of unhealthy relationships where I consistently put others' needs ahead of my own. I self-sacrificed, excused abusive behavior, and further relied on unhealthy food and alcohol habits to cope. Over time, I gained around 60–65 pounds. My blood pressure increased, I was on the verge of prediabetes, my joints ached, I constantly felt foggy, lacked motivation, and had become my own worst fear.

Within the past year, I came to a difficult but necessary realization: I was on a self-destructive path. I had to make a choice—either continue down this road and risk becoming a statistic due to heart disease, stroke, or another chronic illness, or take control and change the course of my life. As a healthcare practitioner for many years, I have seen countless patients suffer from chronic health issues stemming from poor metabolic and mental health. I was becoming one of them.

I knew I needed to change—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. No one was coming to rescue me. There was no "magic pill" that would undo the damage. I had to be my own rescuer. I had to succeed—there was no other option in my mind. I committed to doing everything in my power to change my life. I started applying the knowledge and resources I had gained over the years to myself. I changed my diet and eating habits. I became more intentional at the gym. Slowly, I started to lose weight—and more importantly, I began to feel better.

I removed myself from toxic relationships. I prioritized healing my mental health. I learned to be comfortable with myself and realized I didn't need anyone else to be healthy or happy. I identified my negative coping mechanisms and began replacing them with healthier behaviors. I discovered that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are deeply interconnected.

Through this journey, I've lost nearly 50 pounds in a healthy, sustainable way. But more than that, I've learned how powerful the mind truly is. Am I at the end of my health and wellness journey? Of course not. But now I know what I'm capable of!

- Dr. Liz