Before & After RNY with T. Scott, losing 225 pounds!
January 30, 2018Why I Decided To Have WLS
I was not always overweight. After getting married and working as a Defense Contractor where the work days are long and often 7 days a week for month and years, I started gaining weight. Traveling to remote work locations compounded by poor food choices compounded the issue. It was easy to get fast food and then go back to the hotel/apartment to eat and watch TV. It was not until September 2011 when I decided to make a change, and this came after a doctor’s visit where he stated if you don’t do something to change you may not be here in another 6 months to a year.
I attended a WLS seminar with no clue as to what to expect. I didn't about the process or how long it would take to get scheduled or even if I were a suitable candidate. I knew I was large, but to get weighed and find out I weighed 415 pounds was devastating. Imagine meeting your WLS doctor and to be told basically, you are too fat for surgery. He wanted me to lose some weight before I would be scheduled for surgery. I joined Planet Fitness and started going to the gym, walking and changing what I ate and once I was finally approved for surgery in late January 2012 I had lost 60 pounds before my surgery date.
The transformation had begun in my mind once the decision to change was made. I had to visualize in my “mind’s eye” the end result and then work to get there.
No one in that WLS office knew of the commitment I made to myself, the surgery and staff were the “bridge” to help me from where I was to where I needed to go. My surgeon and team provided a valuable tool and I took over from there. The journey continues and the hardest part was not the weight loss but the continued effort, focus and determination to maintain the gains I had made to get my life back! I wanted one more chance at life and I got it, so I’ll do whatever it takes to stay the course.
Before & After RNY with T. Scott
Name: T. Scott
Total Weight Loss: 225 pounds
Surgery Type: RNY
Date of Surgery: 2/02/2014
Surgeon's Name: Dr. Anthony Terracina
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I speak monthly to those considering WLS as I want to be able to show everyone that there is hope and a life beyond obesity. I found the hardest part was getting through the insurance hurdles that took approximately six months to come through before getting the surgery scheduled. The only fear I had was for the doctor to go in and find something wrong internally and stop the surgery but all was fine. The process for me was painless and never had any discomfort after the surgery.
A short overnight hospital stay, followed by a few weeks off work, and I was ready to get my life back. The doctor and staff provided amazing support and it continues to this day. It was in the doctor’s office where a short video played that showed a person running and that you needed to find some activity to help as the surgery would not be a cure-all. The seed for running was planted in me.
Today, I am able to do everything I want. It is true when they say “if you have your health, you have everything” and I am a firm believer! I have gotten more out of life in the past six years than I did in the previous 12 years. Flexibility, mobility and inner peace with one’s self is priceless. The smile you see today is the evidence of the happiness and appreciation I have today.
Society is quick to judge and label someone who is overweight. It has taught me humility and to have a greater understanding of accepting others for who they are and not on their size. The greatest battle continues to be mental battle to make good choices, limit your portions and staying focused on your results—the journey is lifelong but I am glad to continue this journey.
Special Milestones and Non-Scale Victories
· Speaking at WLS seminars, to inspire others is a great feeling
· There have been many, my efforts landed me a commercial for the WLS group that is still running today
· 40ft picture of myself on the side of the surgical center
· Meeting 2 of the Biggest Losers at Planet Fitness
· Being Planet Fitness Member of the Month in 2014
· Planet Fitness contacted me last week about some Public Relations for my running and their part in my journey.
· In Feb 2014, I ran a 5K and the goal was to run the entire time and I did.
I signed up for many more events. Labor Day 2016 was my 225th event (same as my weight loss amount). As of the end of 2017, I had completed over 415 events (my highest weight). I went on to run 7K’s/8K’s/Half Marathons/Marathon Relays and even a Reebok Ragnar Relay, 200miles from Madison WI to Chicago IL last June. I never was a runner before Feb 2014 but the funny thing is if I hadn’t gained weight and visited my WLS office I more than likely would not be a runner today.
I say all of the “Un-intended Positive Consequences” were never the goal in the beginning but the acknowledgment of my efforts.
Each race may have a finish line but it is really a line of reflection, appreciation, validation and a time of recalibration to move forward. I never thought I would run one race, now I don’t think of anything I can’t do or that I am not willing to try.
How has ObesityHelp.com been a part of your journey?
I am a member of the ObesityHelp Community and hope to inspire others as well as draw motivation from others as well.
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