ERIN’S WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY: LIVED EXPERIENCE
Deciding on Weight Loss Surgery
"I decided that I needed to choose MY own health and well being for a change, instead of focusing all my energy on others!"
Preparation for Surgery
"I had a great support crew around me and knew my well-being was going to improve immensely."
Initial Thoughts and Feelings
"I was excited that things were going to positively change and my health was going to improve."
Life Changes Since Surgery
"Physically, I am 70 kg down. Mentally, I have a lot of trouble reminding myself how far I’ve come because I now have loose skin, and that plays on my mind."
Biggest Challenges During Recovery
"I had issues a couple of weeks out from surgery with a blood clot in my lung that landed me back in hospital. I was on blood thinners for a short time. Then, at the six-month mark, I ended up in the hospital due to gallbladder issues and had to have it removed. A few months after that, I had another blood clot and was back on thinners for another short stint."
Diet and Exercise Routine
"Before surgery, I did try the diets and exercise, but mentally I just wasn’t caring. After surgery, I was adamant and went to the gym five days a week, two of those days with a personal trainer. I moved and haven’t found a good gym since, which is a bit of an excuse really, but I am in the midst of finding a new one I’m comfortable with."
Unexpected Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits: "More energy, confidence, and drive." Drawbacks: "Mentally dealing with the fact that I have lost a massive amount of weight, which I’m proud of, but the loose skin really plays mind games and I still feel overweight because of the look of it."
Impact on Relationships
"My family was all so supportive. I’ve never hidden the fact I had the surgery and have always been very open with everyone. My cousin actually followed and got it done herself, so we had each other. My friends, well, a lot of them have also had surgery, and all had completely different journeys, but we are all very supportive of each other. I did lose a few friends because my focus shifted from doing everything for them to focusing on myself and my well-being. They didn’t like the positive change physically or mentally. All I can say is, you find out who your people are during these times."
Support Systems
"Friends, medical team, and Bariatric Support Australia."
Reflections and Advice
"I was quite equipped with knowledge going in. Looking back, I wish I had focused a little more on the mental challenges and dealt with that aspect earlier because I still haven’t dealt with them, and that’s not the most positive feeling. For anyone considering weight loss surgery, you’re doing this for YOURSELF, first and foremost. Never allow somebody else to lower your self-worth with opinions on the matter of surgery."
Maintaining Motivation and Commitment
"Motivation: I need a little more of that currently, to be brutally honest. Commitment: I never want to go back to what I was, so I eat quite well and still have great restriction, as my surgeon has told me. I’m maintaining my weight and have for the past three years."
Realizing the Right Choice
"I’ve never had any regrets. The moment my surgeon told me I was at my ideal weight for my height, I was so proud of myself."
Future Goals
"Strength training again and a tummy tuck and breast augmentation."
Final Thoughts
"Always remember: YOU GOT THIS. Even through the hardest times, remind yourself the hardest part is over. You made the decision to get surgery to better your life; it’s only up from here :)"
Erin's journey is a testament to the transformative power of choosing one's health and well-being. Her story is filled with both challenges and triumphs, offering inspiration to anyone considering or undergoing weight loss surgery.