Are You Running Your Life…Or Is Life Running You?
September 6, 2013Let's Get Real!
Let's play out a scenario... I am 400 pounds, have sleep spnea, borderline high blood pressure, and can barely walk from my door to the car without losing my breathe. I eat 7 square meals a day, usually comprised of extremely high-fat content, tons of refined sugars, and generally terrible nutritional value. I shop at the Big n Tall store because I do not fit in anything that "normal stores" carry. I sit at tables because I don't fit into booths. I avoid amusement parks because I won't fit in any rides, and I absolutely, at all costs, avoid being in any pictures at family get-togethers, and try not to look into the mirror. I am introverted, don't want to go outside or be seen in public out of shame, and let my self- esteem issues and lack of confidence allow people to walk all over me and make fun of me. Let's fast forward the tape...
Now, we are at the part of the story where this person realizes that weight loss surgery is the right decision, and the story starts a new chapter... I finally got approved for my surgery, have set a date, have read and studied all there is to know about my surgery, and I am excited about the new change coming on. I decided I wanted to have the surgery so I could be healthy, could be alive to watch my kids grow up, and do some of the fun things I used to do like hike, ride my bike, etc... I commit to follow "Dr.'s Orders" and am now ready for the big day.
Me on the day of my weight loss surgery!
Surgery day comes and goes. Incisions heal quickly, and I never thought I could get full off of one bite of food. I am taking my vitamins, I am drinking my water, I am getting in my protein and weight is flying off!!!! Wait, THE SCALE ISN'T MOVING!!!! I realize it took me 20 years to gain 150 pounds, and even though I have lost 40 pounds in 3 months, I am beginning to feel like a failure and am doubting my choice to have surgery. I am feeling low, my clothes aren't getting looser, I can't keep certain foods down, and nothing tastes good except Potato Chips! WAIT A MINUTE, the scale dropped by 5 pounds... I LOVE MY LIFE! This was the best decision I have ever made! Now that the scale has moved I can finally feel like I am worth something! (Sounds pretty ridiculous when you read it like this, right?)
Let's fast forward the tape to 14 months post-op which will pose two different scenarios...
Scenario #1 (The surgery didn't work for me Scenario)
At this point, the scale isn't moving down, matter of fact, it is starting to go UP!!!! I typically forget to take my supplements like the Dr. said to, I am not getting my protein in, have no energy, have stomach ulcers, am eating bigger portions and of poor quality food like I was before I had surgery. Now that the "honeymoon phase" is over, I should really start thinking about exercising, since the weight isn't coming off on it's own anymore. I should probably try the five day "Pouch Test" to "Get back on track". Maybe I should start logging my food like I did for the first three weeks after surgery. What about those nifty "cleanse programs" I see at the store or one of my friends are selling? Maybe I need to find some better sugar free cake and pie recipes... That will ABSOLUTELY solve my problems! On second thought, I just don't think this surgery worked for me. I am going to consider revision options, then I will be on the road to success. I guess those people who have long-term success with WLS are just the lucky ones...
Scenario #2 (The IN IT to WIN IT Scenario)
At 14 months post-op I have never felt better. I am following my surgeons orders to a "T", and have boundless energy and limitless opportunities at my hands. I no longer worry about what the scales says because I do not rely on that number to determine my happiness. I exercise five times a week, I run and play with my children and grandchildren. I can walk at amusement parks, fairs, shop all day long and not even get tired. I shop at "normal size stores", I am in control of my eating, and it seems like my health and fitness are on "auto pilot". I don't have to think about or force myself to exercise every day, I do it because it is part of who I am now. I am grateful for the new life WLS has given me, and I truly understand that no surgery will work for me until I work for IT. I am accountable to myself for my choices and no longer blame others for the circumstances that face me each day. I have found that a life filled with moderation is critical to maintaining a lifetime of continued success.
I am "in it" to win it!
Folks, this article is about "Getting Real". My grandfather once told me that is important to have "Plain Speaking Jethro's" in our lives to tell us like it is. So many times we cloud our thinking and judgement with emotions. Food is NOT an emotional thing! Food is fuel... PERIOD! Your feelings around food are what needs to be dealt with. Exercising is NOT an emotional decision. It is a do or do not decision. If we remove the emotion out of our decisions and make conscious decisions every day, the path becomes so much clearer. For example... Does this dozen doughnuts feel better than getting into that new pair of jeans? Would you rather take medication for co-morbities, or take control of your eating and exercise? Do I want to be proud of who I am because of the decisions I make? Or, do I want to hide in a corner in shame because of the circumstances I find myself in. NOBODY in this world owes you ANYTHING. And, NOTHING in life worthwhile, EVER comes easy. To be "Real" with you... Anyone can lose weight with WLS... For about 12 months... Always remember, it is easier to HIT a goal than it is to MAINTAIN it. Long-term success depends on your desire and willingness to change your habits, lifestyle, and THINKING. As of today, it really doesn't matter where you are at in your journey, what matters is what you do from this moment forward. The beauty of this life is the FACT that no matter how hard you are struggling, how arduous the task seems, the sun WILL rise tomorrow, giving way to endless opportunities to better yourself and continue molding yourself into the person you want to be.
In five years, I have gone from 400 pounds to a four-time Ironman finisher (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run), have competed in 6 RUNNING events that are 100 miles or longer (Longest of which was 164 miles ran in 72 hours in October 2012). I have set my sights on a goal of EPIC proportions. Beginning in January 2015, myself and nine others will be running from Southern California to the White House. More details to come on this event, but for the rest of 2013, I have a 100 Mile run in So. Cal in October and another 72 hour run in November in which I am targeting 200+ miles run.
So, in conclusion to this article with the theme "Running", I pose a final question... Are you RUNNING your life, or is life RUNNING you? NOW is the time to "step up" and make the decision to be happy!!!! We either get busy living, or get busy dying...
Your Friend In Health & Sport,
Dan Benintendi