I began gaining weight in my early twenties shortly after I was married. The emotional roller coaster of infertility added to my weight gain. To the delight of my husband and I, I finally became pregnant with our first child and weight gain continued. By the time I delivered my sixth child I was 237 pounds. On a small frame and a 5’1” body, the weight had limited my abilities to be the kind of mother I wanted to be. I was ashamed of myself and my self-esteem plummeted. However, after the birth of my last child I was determined to change things. I had tried losing weight between my children and was unsuccessful. This time I was sure would be different. I changed my eating habits and began an exercise routine. My efforts were rewarded as I lost 60 pounds. It was short-lived. We made a major move, which took our family away from the close proximity of the gym.
Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800
The weight came back and then some. I began to have serious health issues. I had been warned several times about my blood pressure being too high. I was borderline diabetic, and was diagnosed with fatty liver disease. I was told numerous times by my doctors to lose weight, but everything I tried failed. To be honest, I had never contemplated weight loss surgery as an option. In fact, the thought terrified me. But after two years of dieting and talking to a good friend who had recently had the weight loss surgery. I began to consider it as a viable option for me. My friend loaned me her surgery binder (RMAP bible), and I read it cover to cover. Then I talked with my husband and extended family, all were very supportive. I talked to others I knew who had had weight loss surgery as well, and read a lot about it. Finally I attended Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) Educational Seminar and from there I never looked back. I knew this was what I needed to do.
What has Gastric Bypass Surgery meant to me? It has meant everything. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but nothing worthwhile is. It saved my life. I am now rid of all the co-morbidities associated with my obesity. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life. My self-esteem has improved immensely. Physically I am able to do things I never thought I would. My pre-surgery weight was 230 pounds; I have lost a total of 103 pounds bringing my current weight to 127 pounds. And I am still working towards my doctor’s goal weight for me of 120 pounds.
I have started running and in the past year since my gastric bypass surgery. I have ran the Race for the Cure 5k, Firehouse to Firehouse 10 k at HAFB in which I placed third in the women’s category, and I ran the Snow Canyon Half Marathon. On my list this year I have taken up biking for my next event, which is the Legacy Duathlon a 10k run and 22 mile bike ride April 14th. I am also signed up for the HAFB half marathon in May, and will be running the Snow Canyon half marathon again in November.
Exercise has become fun and something I really enjoy doing. I look at food entirely different it is for nourishment not a source of therapy when I am stressed or bored or just because it’s there. I make conscious decisions about the food I eat, making sure I am eating for the right reasons. I’ll admit I’m not perfect at it but I am so much better at it now than I used to be.
I know gastric bypass surgery has been the best thing I could’ve ever done for myself, and I have no regrets about going through with it. It is something I am willing to stay committed to for the rest of my life, not just for now, but forever.
–Linda D.
Linda’s Tips:
Find activities you enjoy doing, and do them!
Push yourself! Every workout, push yourself just a little bit further than you did the day before.
Believe in yourself! You have the power and strength within you to succeed.
Remember, there is no finish line. This is a lifestyle change, and you have to commit to making permanent changes to your life.
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If you would like to share your weight loss surgery story with others and on Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) other social media outlets, contact Jessica at Jessica@rmapinc.com.
www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124