We can tell you all day long that there are many benefits to weight loss surgery and that it will change your life. But we know that for a lot of people, it’s really hard to believe it. It’s hard to imagine yourself in a whole new body that can do so many things you may not have been able to do for years.
The successful outcomes happen all the time though, and it’s true that your life will be different and almost definitely better after weight loss surgery.
Life After Weight Loss Surgery
We have several wonderful patients who have shared their stories with us, including what life is like after surgery. Here’s what they have to say!
Helping Others Along the Way: Marco
“After the surgery, I stuck to what Dr. Long and his staff told me to do, and the weight just started coming off. I lost the first 80 to 90 pounds really fast, and after that, I started seeking out other things to do health-wise. I started watching my carbs and sugars, and I just did a little bit every day; whether that was walking up and down the driveway, or parking my car a little further away from the entrance. Everything is just great; I’m living it, and loving it. I’m doing things I’ve never done in my life,” Marco says.
He adds that he and his wife do everything together now, such as kayaking, riding bikes, and even racing go karts. Marco says he no longer looks to food for comfort, something we know many of our patients struggle with. He looks at food and eating as something he does to survive.
“My lunch and dinners don’t change much because I just don’t look at food the same way anymore. My wife packs my lunch every day, and it consists of celery sticks with peanut butter, snow snap peas with my homemade ranch, and maybe some protein and cheese. I snack on that all day long, and I’m most definitely satisfied,” Marco says.
Not only did he reach his own personal goal, but Marco reached Dr. Long’s goal for him as well. Marco attributes his success to staying active and watching what he eats, but also the fact that he felt it was his duty to motivate others to do the same.
“I found that the more people I stepped out and helped, the more it helped me,” he says. “If I talked to somebody who needed or wanted to do this program or asked me what I did, I would share it with them. I’d stay with them until they lost the weight. I’d share my diet plan, I’d share everything with them. It helped me to help them, and it kind of kept me in check – I guess the whole practice what you preach kind of thing.”
Freedom From Many Health Conditions: Lisa
Lisa’s heaviest weight before meeting Dr. Long was 324 pounds. One year after surgery, she weighed 150, and then, a little while later, 134.
“Aside from the numbers, I now have increased energy and freedom from joint pain. I can run five miles in the mornings with no problem. I play baseball with my kids and fit into amusement park rides easily (like I never did before). I can run up flights of stairs skipping every other stair. There are so many things I can do now that I never even knew I was missing,” Lisa says.
Immediately after beginning to lose weight, she was able to live without her diabetes medication. She was no longer diabetic, and she also no longer had high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
“My biggest ‘non-scale victory’ has to do with the fun and playfulness in my marriage now. My husband wants to carry me all the time. He picks me up and raises me over his head,” she says “We are able to have a lot more fun together that we couldn’t have before due to my weight.”
Learning to Pace Her Active Lifestyle: Amber
“After surgery, I have never felt so confident. My family is proud of me, and I’m proud of myself.
I am very active now, and I love it. I enjoy exercising, kayaking, hiking, and keeping up with my active kids!” says Amber. “I also love getting dressed up and going out now, whether it be dinner with my husband or going to the movies with my friends. I actually enjoy getting ready and feeling comfortable in my own skin.”
Amber has even had to learn to pace herself with exercise and new experiences. While she wanted to meet her goals quickly, she learned it’s a process.
What Will Your Weight Loss Story Be?
Weight loss is a process for everyone. Your experience won’t be exactly like the stories shared here, but it will be unique to you, your goals, and what you want your life to be like. It is a big commitment and a lot of work, but Marco, Lisa, and Amber (plus many other patients) would all tell you that it is absolutely worth it.
Let BMI Surgery help you on your journey to better health and a happier, more active life.
The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.
