We had the good fortune of connecting with Rich Siller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rich, what principle do you value most?
My faith in a power greater than I (which I call God) matters most to me. It helps keep my life events in perspective, with proper priorities, and provides clarity of focus.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A season-ending high school football injury landed me in the hospital for several days in traction. I was able to observe and talk with the medical/nursing staff, and seeing their positive, caring professionalism inspired me to pursue the healthcare career path. I started as a hospital orderly, then I enlisted in the US Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman on an aircraft carrier (USS Forrestal CV-59). After my enlistment was completed, I went back to college, using the GI Bill, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse. I was then commissioned as a US Navy Nurse Corps officer and had several duty assignments including service in the Gulf War (Desert Shield/Desert Storm). A service-connected disability ended my US Navy career, and I was medically retired. This was a major career blow. The normal physical requirements for duty as a regular hospital RN were too painful to perform. I needed to pivot to other career options including telemedicine and nursing management positions. Depression, apathy, and excessive weight gain became my norm for several years and eventually led to morbid obesity – nearly 300 pounds on my 5’9″ frame. Medical maladies from this condition included a heart attack, severe sleep apnea, osteoarthritis in both hips, which led to two hip replacements. My cholesterol and other lab values were way out of the normal range (e.g., my triglycerides were over 1,600 – normal range <160!). With all this, I still continued to overeat. I tried many diets over the years, but none ever provided lasting weight loss. I knew I needed to lose at least 80-100 pounds, but try as I might, I couldn’t do it. In desperation, I finally got on my knees and prayed to God, “I don’t know what to do, please help me.” Things really started happening then! I learned that I had the chronic disease of compulsive eating, which had a proclivity to not being able to stop overeating on my own, similar to the conditions of alcoholics/drug addicts. It is a disease that involves not only physical but also emotional and spiritual aspects – learning the three-pronged nature of this disease made the difference for me. Only with the help of my Higher Power, the love and support of my family and friends, and other compulsive eaters sharing their experience, strength and hope, was I given hope and a reprieve from this malady. With the love and grace of God, and the incredible love and support of these fine people and a lot of “footwork”, I was able to eventually lose 105 pounds. Finally feeling better while losing the weight, I was able to start walking, then jogging, then (with a work colleague’s encouragement) entered and completed the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC (yes, on two titanium hips!) – a bucket list dream come true! And most of the weight is still off of this old frame of mine – God is awesome! In retirement, still feeling very able, I’ve been able to volunteer with the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services and have been privileged to serve those in need in areas affected by natural disasters, including recent hurricanes – appreciated and rewarding work for sure! Miracles can happen – believe it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Traveling north on route A1A along the east coast of Florida, stopping in Saint Augustine and visiting shoppes, coffee cafes, museums, and diners while there. Continuing north on A1A enjoying undeveloped beaches shelling/hunting for sharks teeth, as well as the more developed beaches with a wide assortment of waterfront restaurants, bars, diners, cafes, shoppes, and people watching. Depending on the season, perhaps take in a minor league baseball game (Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp), hockey, football game (Jacksonville Jaguars), etc.. Definitely visit a craft coffee roastery or two in downtown Jacksonville. Throw in a visit to the zoo as well – as the song says: the animals will love it if you do! More beach hangout time as well as chilling at our house – life is good!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to the Lord, my most supportive and loving wife Theresa, and our three daughters: Shelley, Caroline, Christyanne and son-in-law Jesse, as well as brother, sisters and other family members and friends – definitely a true blessing of love and support, without them I would not have been able to do what I’ve been able to accomplish! Also a shoutout to the many dedicated teachers, coaches, and mentors that have entered my journey throughout this life – their sharing of experience, strength, and hope have been invaluable. Many thanks!

Instagram: @richardsiller

Twitter: @eatless56

Image Credits
From personal archives.

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