Celebrating a Non-Scale Victory – Zip Lining
February 23, 2015Celebrating a Non-Scale Victory with Watson
From enjoying his life now as a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) post-op, Watson's journey took him to achieving a goal he made as a pre-op. Watson shares about his latest Non-Scale Victory (NSV) adventure:
"I have a fear of heights. Before I did the zip line...I felt really nervous about doing it. Before I had WLS, I'd watched videos of people doing the zip line and it was my goal to do it someday after my surgery. Now that I've lost weight, I wanted to do something thrilling at least once in my life time so I decided zip lining would be my thrilling adventure!
When I got to the zip line area I watched other people do the zip line first so I could build up my self confidence. I told myself since I can ride an airplane, I can do the zip line! I bought a ticket to do the zip line and I DID IT! From doing it one time, I am so excited and want to do it again. I'm very proud of myself and that I smashed my goal to zip line with a vengeance. After I got off, I said to myself "What a Rush!". Now I have a new hobby....Zip Lining. It renewed my soul and mind." - Watson
WLS Success with Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)
Watson struggled being overweight since he was 8 years old. One of the contributing causes for his weight is an under active thyroid. His highest weight was 565 pounds. At this weight, Watson started working with a doctor and dietitian to lose weight. Through his efforts he lost 150 pounds. Watson wasn't able to continue working with the doctor and dietitian but was pleased with a 150 pound weight loss. Throughout the following years, Watson regained 100 pounds of his 150 pound weight loss. He decided to start working with the same doctor and dietitian again but realized that he needed more of a long-lasting solution for weight loss and health. He made the decision to have weight loss surgery.
Many factors were part of Watson's decision to have weight loss surgery. He had severe arthritis in both of his knees and hips, hypertension, experienced great difficulty in moving and just getting around, and just plain tired of being stared at and being made fun of. His mother was 150 to 200 pounds overweight and had many co-morbid conditions which cost her life. Watson was determined not to end up like his mother. He knew by having WLS, he would extend his life expectancy and improve his life in many ways.
Watson started researching weight loss surgery in August of 2009, and made the decision to have the VSG. On June 8, 2010, he had his surgery with Dr. Alexander Nagle. He is proud to share that it was the best decision he ever made in his life. He went from his highest weight of 565 pounds to his current weight of 189 pounds, for a total weight loss of 376 pounds! His life has dramatically changed since his surgery. He is now able to walk better, fit into smaller size clothing, able to wear seat belts, fit into airplane/stadium/theater seats, ride on an airplanes, fit through turnstiles, go swimming, and of course zip lining! Watson also took part in his very first charity walk in September 2014. He is looking forward to many more NSVs and firsts that he's never done before. He now loves his life and follows the philosophy to take each day, one at a time.
Reach Your Goals & Share your Non-Scale Victories!
Do you have a goal to go zip lining? You can join others that are working towards this goal too!
If you would like to share your Non-Scale Victory and WLS story, we'd love to hear from you! Visit the submission instruction page to submit your NSV.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cathy Wilson, PCC, BCC, had RNY surgery in 2001 and lost 147 pounds. Cathy is a regular contributor to the OH Blog and authored the "Mind Matters" column in ObesityHelp Magazine. Cathy is a licensed pilot and loves flying. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).Read more articles by Cathy! |
