I’m sure I am not unlike other weight loss surgery patients who have struggled with obesity their entire lives. I had plenty of excuses—genetics, medications, depression, inactivity and, of course, FOOD, but the loosing/gaining weight loss cycle was cruel and always left me more bitter, resentful and hopeless in the end. So what was it that made me finally decide I had to stop that vicious, unforgiving cycle?
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Flash back to fall of 2010, I was on an extended family vacation in Florida and we were at Bush Gardens. I was looking forward to this day more than any other on the vacation because I love, love, love roller coasters! First roller coaster—it took 3 attendants to push on the safety harness before it finally latched, but I made it. Whew! Close call! Second roller coaster—made it again, but couldn’t breathe! Third roller coaster—never made it…I was too big. I had to be asked to get off in front of my entire family. Embarrassed, mortified, hurt, angry are just a few emotions I experienced as I took my walk of shame down the exit ramp. Crumbling into a ball of tears, not caring what people thought of me, I made a vow with myself that day to do something about my weight—for good! I was referred to Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) soon after I got home and my weight loss surgery began.
Of course there have been bumps along the road, and the journey has been excruciatingly difficult both physically and mentally, but I’d do it all over again and again to be where I’m at today. Not only am I conscience now about what I put into my body, I am more active that I have ever been my entire life. Every morning at 5:00 AM sharp, I’m at the gym running, weight lifting or doing circuit training.
It was just a few weeks ago that I tried a spin class for the first time. Long story short, the instructor came up to me after buy cheap real phentermine class and said, “Wow! If you wouldn’t have told me it was your first time, I would have never known. I can tell you are a very active, fit person.” As my eyes filled with tears, I thanked her and smiled. There is no way she could have known how much such a comment meant to me. She couldn’t have known that a little under a year ago I weighed over 300 pounds and couldn’t even have walked to the end of my street!
I feel one of the biggest lessons that I have taken from this journey is that I can choose what is best for me and my body. I ran my first 5K at the Walk from Obesity Event last October, and when my legs and lungs were telling me I couldn’t go any farther, my heart and soul were telling me that I could—and I not only finished the 5K, but finished almost 10 minutes faster than my goal! Now six months later, I’ll go outside and run 3-5 miles on top of my other workouts just for fun!
I am so proud to say that I have taken this opportunity by storm and made every second count. I feel so empowered and love how it feels to finally be in control of my life. Dr. Sherman Smith and RMAP, I thank you, my husband thanks you, and my little girl thanks you so much for giving me my life back. Now I’m ready to show everyone on the outside how fabulous I feel on the inside.
–Christina A.
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www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124