Today marks two years since I went under the knife to have my insides rearranged.
It’s been two years since my gastric sleeve changed everything. In the six months before my surgery, I lost 80 pounds. Since my surgery, I lost another 155 pounds. I’ve made permanent lifestyle changes necessary to be successful with bariatric surgery. But, I’ve also learned a lot about me, bariatric surgery and life along the way. Here are 20 lessons I’ve learned in the two years since my bariatric surgery.
1. PROTEIN IS KING
One of the first lessons I’ve learned from bariatric surgery is that protein is king. I need protein to survive. It not only helps provide nutrition and calories that I need, but it gives me the energy I need to get through my day. Instead of reaching for caffeine when I’m feeling tired, I can drink a protein shake and get a boost of energy as well. My meals and my life are built around protein, which is great since my favorite foods are proteins. And, ones that aren’t, like pizza, can be made high-protein. Try my chicken-crust pizza if you don’t believe me.
2. IT GETS EASIER
The second lesson I’ve learned is that a bariatric lifestyle gets easier. At first, when I was going through the progressive post-op diet, it seems so scary and intimidating. I had no idea how I was going to get through those first six months. However, over time it got easier. It soon became second nature to meal prep, eat protein first, limit carbohydrates and slow down when I eat. The further from surgery I get, the easier it gets to make the right choices.
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3. LOSING WEIGHT OPENS DOORS
Unfortunately, we live in a society where many people are judged by their looks. Whether it’s the color of their skin or their body size, people face discrimination every day. At my heaviest, I was often overlooked and counted out just because of my size. Since losing weight, more doors and opportunities have been opened to me. I have started jobs that I could have only dreamed about having before. Losing weight gave me the confidence to go after these jobs. I also recognize what a privilege it is for me to be able to overcome the weight discrimination, as BIPOC can’t change their skin color and overcoming racial discrimination. Losing weight and developing a bariatric surgery Web site has also allowed me to be a platform for those voices that often get drowned out.
