By Meghan Bannerman
My weight loss journey has been marked by honesty from the very beginning. Recently, a picture from my past popped up in my Facebook Memories; although I was pleased with the physical difference I saw, it also stirred up a whirlwind of emotions. I felt off-kilter, embarrassed and angry with myself. It dawned on me how much time I wasted, time that I will never get back. The realization of how I had let myself become so big was horrifying to me.
Amidst these emotions, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that the pandemic inadvertently qualified me for weight loss surgery. Countless servings of comfort food–banana bread, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, pizza, pasta, chocolate and alcohol–tipped the scales in favor of my insurance granting surgery coverage. While these indulgences were shared with good company and provided comfort during uncertain times, I can’t help but reflect on my choices.
I am immensely grateful for the incredible Prime Surgicare team that performed my weight loss surgery and supported me throughout my post-surgery nutritional efforts. Surprisingly, the surgery itself turned out to be the easiest part.
Life after reaching goal weight
After two and a half years, I can honestly say that weight loss maintenance is the most challenging aspect of my weight loss journey. During times of stress or sadness, old habits tend to resurface. I may still reach for something sweet and comforting, but now it’s in much smaller portions. I’m fortunate to work with two incredibly fit young ladies who generously share their fitness tips with me. They also serve as a means to relieve stress.
What fills me with the most pride is the progress I have made in healing my mind, which has also helped heal my body.
For years, I found myself in a dark place. To avoid letting down those who loved me, I made myself larger, believing that if I took up more space, I could hide away from the world. Self-deprecating humor and sarcasm became my coping mechanisms. But deep down, I wasn’t happy.
Adding mental health support to my weight management arsenal
Weight loss surgery involves more than just the physical aspects; it delves into the psychological realm as well. I underwent extensive consultations with various physicians, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and sleep doctors. Addressing my mental health proved crucial to my success in maintaining my weight loss, and it will remain an ongoing commitment throughout my life.
No matter what size you are, every individual, regardless of their shape, size, age, or any other factor, deserves love, care, empathy, compassion, and peace. While I occasionally make jokes about my midsection or poke fun at my physical appearance, I am learning to be kinder to myself.
The secret to long-term weight loss: Self-love
I encourage you to continue fighting your own demons. Every day, make an effort to love yourself a little more and engage in activities that bring you joy and promote a healthier body–regardless of the number on your clothing tag. Through this journey, I finally realized I was good enough all along. From my Buddha belly and oversized T-shirts to self-tanner and blonde hair to conceal the grays, I am a constant work in progress, and that’s perfectly okay.
To learn more about surgical weight loss options, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap band replacement or bariatric revision, call our friendly team of bariatric professionals at 732-414-2707 for a prompt private consultation with medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo.