The 3 R’s for My WLS Journey Tools of Reflection, Refocus, Recalibration
December 10, 2018The weight loss/maintenance journey is continuous and often solo, during those periods of solitude it allows for reflection, refocus, recalibration.
My WLS Journey Tools
I made the decision to change my life early in 2011. After a medical appointment and getting the results from my annual lab tests, with my family physician, the annual lab results were terrible. Nothing positive from the results except that I was still alive. When your doctor says “what are you trying to do”? Die? You are on the right path for that. I didn’t need to hear that again and I pondered my choices as I sat at Golden Corral, thought I’d get one last “buffet” under my belt, funny I know!
We will never change until we accept responsibility for our actions and then have a plan to move forward and that plan may include Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Physiological support. I opted to basically go at this solo as I felt that is how I got to 415 pounds solo which was one poor choice after another. Poor choices seem to add up much faster than good choices.
Not knowing the process, I decided to attend a WLS seminar and that is where I found out my worst fear which was my actual weight. I knew I was large but on this day, it was confirmed.
A few weeks later, I met with Dr. Terracina to discuss my plan. Can you imagine hearing basically “you are too fat for WLS” now he may have delivered this message more politely but still? You are too “FAT” Jack. I’ll never forget Dr. T saying to me before my surgery that he could count on one hand the number of people who put forth the effort I did in showing my seriousness for this process, losing 65 pounds before my surgery date.
Weight Loss Surgery Success - "Reflect"
My weight loss journey is an uphill battle many days, and seems like you will never get to the top but if you stay focused and determined you will get on the downhill side. Just like this bridge that I walk daily, it began with a plan and then section by section it was erected but not without issues. As it was built, one section was lost during construction, they kept going and just like you or me, slowly the end was within sight.
Many days the journey is lonely and you think no one cares or understands, as you can see there were no other people walking on a 98-degree day with oppressive humidity.
You have to draw your motivation and inspiration from within, a desire to change overpowers the mind wanting to stay the same or sedentary. You battle your internal thoughts of why should I be doing this, what am I trying to prove or does it really matter.
In the end, I find I have to out walk the negative thoughts and during these periods it allows me to “reflect” on how far I have come, to appreciate the minor victories as well as the obstacles and hurdles.
My motivation comes from a few directions, fear of repeating the past keeps me moving, protecting my accomplishments, I’ve worked too hard to give it up.
Weight Loss Surgery Success - "Refocus"
My efforts remain continuous and I realize there will days where I experience minor setbacks but I try to ensure I do not string too many “bad decision” days in a row.
Each new day provides an opportunity to “refocus” on a new start and a chance to get yourself back on track.
I appreciate my accomplishments but do not rest my hat on the thinking “I have done enough”. I wanted another chance at life and I received it so I feel it is my obligation to myself to continue this journey and work to be the best me I can be. We give up on too many things in life when they get hard or difficult and I’m not willing to give up on me. I was not ready.
Weight Loss Surgery Success - "Recalibrate"
Each day provides me with an opportunity to “recalibrate” this includes my way of thinking, my motivation, my inspiration. I try to keep myself challenged to push myself beyond what I can do today as it was not that long ago where I could barely do anything.
First, let me say, I never imagined running one event, needless to say, 400+/- to date. Not a single race has been easy, including the last, there are days where the heat/humidity make it too easy to say forget it but I have not missed 1 single race that I have signed up for because of a poor mental mindset when I woke up that day. Showing up is the hardest part most days!
Sometimes the stars align, the body feels good, the weather is right and mentally it’s a go. This feeling is few and far between. But when it happens, I'm rewarded with a good effort and occasionally even place in the top 3 in my age bracket. Each medal has a financial cost as well a physical and emotional cost along with a sense of accomplishment/satisfaction. No one can question my work ethic once I made the decision to change, and change is continuous.
My story started with a desire to be a better me, this after getting to the worst me, and kept from being satisfied just beyond the finish line. For me, the finish line was time to reflect and to recalibrate my thoughts to moving forward.
We always think it is easier for someone else, and it is not. Your drive and determination are what fuels you! No one knows or sees your daily efforts but you most of the time. It can be a lonely journey but staying focused on the end result keeps you moving. Many days it seems like I am the only one pounding the pavement while everyone else is “living life” but I realize my efforts have allowed me to “live a life never imagined”.
We never forget those that said nasty things or made fun of us---these folks keep me motivated today, so I guess I am really thankful for them. Remember only one thing, to say "Thank you!" When someone recognizes your efforts and results with a compliment.
The entire process has made me stronger, more thankful in understanding the fragility of life, more appreciative, humble and more accepting of others.
The real transformation begins from within - Where the mind goes, the body will follow!
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Radcliff weighed 415 pounds and had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on February 12, 2012. Scott has made significant lifestyle changes that include a daily physical fitness routine of walking and going to the gym. He has lost 225 pounds and since 2014, he has run in over 400+ events from 5K's to Half Marathons, including the Reebok Ragnar 200 mile relays. Scott believes that there are no finish lines, only moments of reflection and recalibration as the race against obesity is never-ending. |
