Yesterday, I attended a staff
retreat for work on diversity and inclusion. We participated in an activity
that asked us to list the ways we identify ourselves. The subjects were, race,
gender, religion, nationality etc. At the end, there was a line marked “other”,
and I started to think about how else do I define myself? In addition to the
other identities, these are a few more ways that I define myself Massachusetts
Native (aka Masshole), Athlete/Runner, and Bariatric Weighloss Surgery patient.
For some these may not seem
important but to me they define me and make me who I am! Of course, the last
one is the most recent definition but will be with me until the end of time.
Which is a switch from a year ago.
When I was going through the
research process of weightloss surgery, I was not convinced that this was the
right thing for me. I know I have shared with you my concerns from earlier in
my research time. I was afraid of what people would think. I was afraid to tell
my family and friends my plans. This of course now makes me laugh. I have been
very lucky that I have had such great support. In addition, of course I am not
afraid to share my story, I am proud that I decided to have the surgery and
with the results that I have gotten so far.
As I shared with you earlier this week,
I had an appointment with my surgeon and my nutritionist. It has been 9 months
since my surgery and I shared with both that I want to lose 10 more pounds but
currently things were moving slowly. They shared that this is normal for the
weight loss to slow down but not to give up because it would happen.
My surgeon said that he was fine
with me losing the additional 10 pounds but if I did not he was ok with that
too. He told me that according to his goals I had reached them so that I hit
his goal so any additional loss would just be extra. He shared that his goal
was to have me below a 30 BMI and currently I am at 27. He would be happy if
could maintain this but he did not discourage the additional loss.
When I saw my nutritionist following
the surgical follow-up, she said the same thing and she is thrilled with my
results. During my visit, we also discussed my nutrition concerning my training.
She suggested that I start to take in a few more calories on a daily basis. The
additional calories would be equivalent to an added snack.
I had many questions about training
for endurance events post weightloss surgery as my nutritionist did too. She shared
that unfortunately, I am blazing new trails and there is not a lot of research
or information out there for weightloss patients who are athletes now.
Even for my surgeon and nutritionist I am a rarity. It is time to find my own
answers and I hope with what I find I will be able to help future patients too.
Continuing my new journey and wearing my identity!
