Before & After RNY with Daisy
July 26, 2016Celebrating Daisy's Journey Before & After RNY!
I can’t recall a time in my life when I didn’t struggle with my self-image, confidence and weight. I was that girl that went home and cried herself to sleep wondering why I didn’t fit the “perfect mold” as I perceived other girls to be.
I wouldn’t even be able to tell you how much time and money I spent on promised quick fixes, fad diets or pills that, of course, had short-lived results, if any at all. I was just digging myself deeper in the cycle of determination, temptation, frustration, hopelessness, giving up followed by failure and the weight coming back on.
At one point, I was experiencing fertility issues and my doctor recommended weight loss. I wanted to be a mother so much that this recommendation to lose weight gave me the drive to lose about 30 pounds. With this weight loss, I became pregnant! With the pregnancy came along an additional 100 pounds to my already heavy frame. Those pounds never went away. Here I was, as a new mommy, and I was in the worst shape of my life.
In May 2009, I hit rock bottom at my highest weight of 336 pounds and with the loss of my self-esteem. My younger sister was getting married and I had to find a bridesmaid dress which I wasn't happy to do given my weight. At a bridal store, I found a snug size 24 dress but I was embarrassed and devastated but held back the tears as I crumbled internally. It was at that point that I decided it was time to change and I needed help!
I attended an information session at Hahnemann Bariatric Program and within a few months, I had done all my pre-surgery clearances, started to eat better and even worked out. Within a month, I had dropped 8 pounds. That December, I was scheduled for surgery. I changed my mindset. This was no longer going to be a short-term diet; it was time for a long-term lifestyle change.
At the end of the day, December 14, 2009, will forever be embedded in my mind, body and soul as the best 30th birthday present to myself.
Before & After RNY
OH Username: daze09
Total Weight Loss: 126 lbs
Surgery Type: RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgery Date: December 14, 2009
Surgeon: Dr. Andres Castellanos
As a post-op, I was focused, determined and motivated. I packed my little cooler of acceptable foods everywhere I went because it took some time for me to learn what my body could tolerate. Most people were not serving healthy options especially since it was Holiday season.
I was working out at least three times a week and feeling great. Somewhere along the line, I got comfortable and my eating became too relaxed which resulted in my plateau. So again, I reiterate I’ve had bumps in the road and still tackle my insecurities and weaknesses daily.
This decision was life changing but it was not supported by those closest to me. I was told that I was taking the easy way out and “cheating”. What a misconception, there is no magic fix. Weight loss surgery was the tool that gave me the push I needed.
In order to maintain my weight loss, it required me to eat right and work out even now at almost 7 years post-op. I learned that when you decide to better yourself, the true colors and insecurities of other people are revealed. My psychiatrist warned me I might lose some relationships over my decision and transformation.
As a woman with a career, a busy 10-year-old son and the role of the “rock” in my family, I let life and chaos get in my way. Several months ago, I hit a low point again and I had regained some weight back and lost my self-worth, self-care, and self-love along the way. I had become physically, mentally and emotionally FATIGUED! I was tired of putting everyone else’s needs and wants first except MINE.
With the help of reading some personal development books and joining the Beachbody team as a coach, I reconnected with myself and had a new found perspective and goal. Some may see it as I’ve become selfish and I say no! I’ve found my BALANCE and it makes me smile. I got myself back on track using daily Shakeology, portion control/nutrition system, 30 minute daily workouts from home (no time to spend hours at the gym) and a supportive community in my team (LOVEFIT) that is so empowering. I’ve joined ObesityHelp.com, made my social media public and started sharing my experiences and journey which have all become essential in my success. I can reach others who may have similar struggles, experiences and accomplishments and I definitely should have done this sooner.
So although helping others once set me back, now if I forget to put myself first, I realize that I am a caring, nurturing person that people turn to. It is rewarding and brings me great satisfaction that my story can impact others in an inspirational manner. Sharing my journey in such a public and vulnerable way, through some of the very intimate and emotional videos I’ve posted on my Facebook, has become therapeutic and helps to keep me accountable. I feel I am shedding light on issues and feelings. I am learning to accept the compliments and starting to recognize the transformation within my body, mind, and soul. I’ve decided to reconnect with myself. I’ve decided to INVEST in ME. I strive to be a positive role model as I become the healthiest, strongest, best version of ME!
My ultimate goal is to spread the word and educate our society. As a Pediatric medical provider, I see our youth struggling with obesity and co-morbidities at such a young age. They have so many unhealthy options in their daily lives and are poverty stricken. Many parents tell me they can’t afford to eat healthy foods. My response is “YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO!” Although social media as been a useful resource for many, our kids are suffering from cyber-bullying and are not accepting of themselves. There is no sense of empowerment. We need to teach our society to be aware and face the issues that are affecting our community.
I’ve heard way too many people say this about others (and about me) that “She’s so pretty in the face. No, I'm pretty in my heart, mind, soul and person. My body does not define me!
Valuable lessons I’ve learned from my journey
- Don’t take life for granted
- Love yourself and invest in yourself
- Find your BALANCE
- Face your FEARS and FAILURES because it just means you’re one step closer to success
- Feed your mind and soul with personal development, faith, meditation or whatever works for you
One of my favorite quotes is:
“Life happens…Sometimes we go in the wrong direction. All we can do is turn around and find our way again. Live unapologetically and CREATE YOUR OWN STORY.” ~ Cara Alwill Leyba (Girl Code)
Non-Scale Victories
- Now, I can ride roller coasters with my son. Prior to surgery, I waited in line for around an hour or more just to get to the front of the line, and not fit in the ride cart. Then I would have to see people laugh and hear them whisper as I made my way to the exit without falling apart.
- I don’t need a seatbelt extender on the plane.
- I can maneuver around in a bathroom stall with ease.
- I’ve completed multiple races including Color Run, Wipe Out Obstacle Race, Down and Dirty Mud/Obstacle run, and the most difficult one to date the Spartan Dash!
Share Your Before & After Success!
Celebrate your Before & After success and inspire others by sharing your weight loss surgery journey!
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