Kim
It was Christmas 2006 when I originally decided that it was time to take action, and find a solution to my life long battle with obesity. After looking at all the photos of what is supposed to be a merry time of celebrations I realised the opposite was true – I felt unhappy with the photos and the fact that Christmas was only one day, yet I had eaten huge amounts of food and gorged myself daily for the entire month of December. And for what? It didn’t help me in my battle.
This Christmas I will be celebrating what everyone else does on the day, but I will also be celebrating my new life, my 3rd year of being in control of my food intake, my weight and my life. I have never been happier, I will also be celebrating my first Christmas being married, a milestone I never thought would happen.
Since losing over 80 kilos, getting married, doing marathons and triathlons and maintaining my weight for over 12 months I have so much to celebrate. During the Christmas break I still have my glass of champagne at work and family parties and I still even have the crackle, but gone are the days of eating a plate of crackle and pork, and eating until I was ready to explode and needed a rest day.
Now my Christmas day is a celebration of life, health and happiness, where I can still enjoy the Christmas feasts but on a much smaller scale, because no amount of pork crackle could taste as good as the taste of success and finally beating my obesity.
If I was to give one piece of advice for the festive season – when you go to grab that food, just remember why you got your Gastric Band in the first place… and how good it will feel when you reach your goal weight.
Angela
It's been four years since I had my Gastric Band surgery and I can honestly say it is the best decision I ever made. Before the procedure like most of us I had tried every conceivable weight loss pill, potion or programme without any success. If anything I was gaining weight with each failed attempt and becoming more and more depressed about my inability to control my eating.
Don’t get me wrong, I am still only a mere mortal - I give in to temptation and can buckle at the sight of a chocolate bar better than anyone. Yet now I have a constant reminder that over indulging leads to discomfort, both physical and mental.
As Christmas is approaching I don’t dwell too much on changing anything I do from day to day. I gave up alcohol when I had my band put in so I don’t have to worry about empty calories or having my resolve weakened by a few too many drinks. When going out I make sure I am not hungry before leaving and try to make choices that fit with my lifestyle. I realise our “eyes are definitely bigger than our stomachs “and the consequences of over indulging are just not worth it. I have now changed my focus from the food to the people, the surroundings and the reason for the season.
I am very proud of the decision I made to have a Gastric Band and the results I have achieved. Christmas Blessings!
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If you have had weight loss surgery and would like to share your story with us please email your story of approximately 500 word length and a before and after photo to bariatricedge@its.jnj.com |
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