My Doctor Suggested Weight Loss Surgery

Today was the day. Almost a year to the day when my doctor suggested weight loss surgery, I went in for my annual physical. The Physician's Assistant weighed me in and then we went back in the room where she started entering data in the computer. Then, she squealed with excitement! I was down 74 pounds from when I was there a year ago. She congratulated me on all my hard work and repeated how amazing that was because she knows how hard it is.

Then my doctor came in. He was so proud of me and wanted to know how I did it. MFP and the people here, losing weight with my sister and regular exercise. I remember reading a post here where some people were angry that their doctor mentioned the word obese. If we are encouraged to trust the science on COVID, why doesn't the same thing apply to trusting the science on health, including the risks associated with being overweight?

If it weren't for the honesty of my doctor, who was looking out for my best interest, I wouldn't be here jumping up and down celebrating a fabulous physical. Thank goodness for a tough love doctor who puts honesty above worrying about whether or not he's hurting my feelings. My blood pressure, which was borderline high last year is now 114/60. I don't have the results of the blood test back yet, but I'm guessing there is massive improvement there too.

Before he left the room, here's what he told me. It's not about a number. It's not about whether my BMI is 29 or 24. It's about being healthier, happier and able to physically do the things I want to do for as long as I can do them. It's not about what the scale says, so I shouldn't be so focused on whether or not I weigh in at that number I have in my head that to me, would indicate success. People give up when the huge losses don't exist anymore, when we should be celebrating where we are today and taking the long view. While he would love to see me get to goal, he said he'll be just as happy if I return next year weighing exactly what I weigh today, still eating healthy and exercising. I'm already a success in his eyes because of what I've done to take back my health. And...that's coming from a tough love doctor who cares more about me than he does about being politically correct. And that's saying something. Sniff...sniff... I'm grateful. Thanks, Doc!

Twelve month update: I’m a few weeks late posting this, maybe because I’m a bit embarrassed. I suppose it’s expected to have a few bumps in the road. While there were tough times here and there in the first nine months, this bump has turned into more of a hill. Still, it’s not a mountain and I’m determined to figure it out and get back on track.

As of today:

• Lost 68.5 pounds
• Gained 5 pounds since the last report
• Traveled to Botswana and Zimbabwe in May. My lower weight, increased strength and endurance made for the most amazing trip. I wasn’t self conscious and had a wonderful time with my son and older sister.
• Started back logging today
• Swam 1.056 miles in 60 minutes! This has been a goal for the last six months and I finally did it last Tuesday.
• Still paying attention- While it’s been difficult to get back on track, I’m still weighing everyday.
• Back in the rhythm of my exercise plan
• Clothing getting a little snug

What’s next:

• Logging restarts today
• Meal prepping
• I have a photo shoot scheduled for early September to redo my business and marketing photos. I want to be at a new low weight by then.
• I’m heading to visit family in a few weeks. It’s just a long weekend, so if I get on track now, I’ll be a bit more in control by then.
• I wanted to get to goal weight this year which I decided would be 160 pounds. Why? Because I wanted to be able to say I’ve lost 100+ pounds. Instead, I want to lose 10 pounds below my low weight, which would put me at 178. So this next quarter will be focused on weighing less than I did the quarter before.

I loved every minute of my vacation and I did eat what I wanted. The food was incredible. I expected to get back on track easily when I returned, but it’s been difficult. Still, a pat on the back that I’m continuing to stay engaged. I know it will click in if I keep going.

I think the most frustrating thing is that my daily calorie level starts at 1200 calories and then I add exercise calories on top. With the slowing weight loss, I’m concerned that it’s going to actually stop far above where I want to be and I’ll be limited to 1200 calories + exercise for life. It is what it is.

My tastes have changed and I need to change further. What can I modify that will allow me to stay within my calorie goals and still satisfy my cravings? I plan to figure it out.