MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY : A NEW BEGINNING
By Tina
Starting Weight:
157kgs in 2009 (lap band)
105kgs in December 2020 (band removal)
115kg in July 2021 (bypass)
Surgery Type: Bypass
The Decision to Undergo Weight Loss Surgery
My main motivation for weight loss surgery was my children. I wanted to be able to play and run around with them instead of just watching from the sidelines.
Preparing for the Surgery
Mentally, it was an easy decision. I knew this was my only way to lose the weight. I’m sure I did a pre-op diet, but it was so long ago I can’t recall the details.
Initial Thoughts and Feelings Post-Surgery
After my 2021 surgery, I was relieved to find I could still enjoy all the foods I craved, but in moderation. Initially, you worry about not being able to enjoy certain foods, but you learn that you can.
Life After Surgery
My life has changed drastically. I now weigh 77kgs. Weight has always been an issue for me, especially during high school where I was fat-shamed. Today, I can hike despite having arthritis in both knees from carrying around 150kgs for years.
Recovery Challenges
One of the biggest challenges was learning to love my extra skin and smaller chest. Also, learning to ignore people who now tell me I’m too skinny was tough.
Diet and Exercise Routine: Then and Now
I’m not great at exercising; sometimes I walk or ride my bike, but not regularly. Diet-wise, I focus on hitting my protein goals before eating vegetables.
Unexpected Benefits and Drawbacks
An unexpected drawback has been my body rejecting dairy and gluten, likely due to not consuming bread or pasta for 11 years.
Impact on Relationships
My parents are incredibly proud of me, and my now-husband loves me regardless of my weight. My ex preferred me overweight because I was less social and more dependent.
Support Systems
This page has been immensely helpful over the past three years. I’m grateful for the support and community here.
Reflections and Advice
Looking back, I wish I had learned to love exercise. My advice to those considering weight loss surgery is to keep an open mind, celebrate small victories, and eat in moderation.
Maintaining Motivation
To stay motivated, I remind myself that it’s easier to lose a couple of kilos rather than 10. I didn’t want to undo all my hard work by gaining back the weight.
A Memorable Realisation
I realised the surgery was the right choice when I considered the alternative. I love food and probably would be dead if I hadn’t had the surgery. I’m attending my stepdaughter’s wedding in September, and I wouldn’t want to be there if I still weighed 160 kilos.
Future Goals
I aim to maintain my weight at 75 kilos over the next 10 years.
Final Thoughts
Live life to the fullest and don’t sweat the small stuff.