Periodically, we share updates and experiences by our bariatric patients during their weight loss journey. In the commentary below, Patricia explains her experience before and during COVID-19.
By Patricia Castillo
Two months ago, I had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.
Now that I’m down 37 pounds, there are five things I’ve learned about myself:
- Sugar was definitely an addiction.
- It wasn’t the three cups of coffee I wanted, but the sugar and creamer.
- I didn’t just have acid reflux that kept me up at night. I had a severe hiatal hernia that wasn’t discovered until I went for pre-op testing. That is what caused the acid reflux!
- I was dehydrated! Between all the coffee and drinking very little water, my fatigue was more from dehydration.
- The idea of eating protein first is changing my life. Pre-op life was eating carbs first.
I also realized that all the exercise in the world didn’t matter when I had all these pre-surgery barriers weighing me down… literally.
COVID-19 – My bariatric pivot
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in me suddenly working from home and required me to make a choice.
How should I handle the stress of working from home and the general stress brought on by living through a global pandemic?
Should I resort to the comfort of old habits and begin to stress eat again?
No way. I have come too far.
I decided to take advantage of this time at home and tools I was given by my Prime Surgicare team:
- I continue to meal plan as well as weigh and measure my meals.
- I decided to increase my activity to reach 10k steps a day. That means a lot more walks outside with my dog and 30-minute dance workout videos at home.
Learn more about Prime Surgicare’s exclusive Bariatric Success Program
Moving forward during my ‘new normal’
I still have 53 more pounds to lose. The difference now is that losing 53 pounds actually feels doable.
Bariatric surgery was a much-needed system reset for my body. The operation helped to diagnose my hiatal hernia, repaired during my bariatric operation, so my chronic acid reflux is a thing of the past (good riddance) along with trying to sleep sitting up all night.
I no longer need coffee to boost my energy level just to get through the day.
Weight loss surgery, and the new life tools I have learned, will carry me on a healthy journey for the rest of my life, even during these incredibly stressful and dangerous time.
I am forever grateful. Stay safe, everyone.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Prime Surgicare’s Virtual Consultation
For the protection of patients and staff, office visits with Dr. Seun Sowemimo, board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric and general surgeon, and other key staff are being performed virtually.
The benefit to people wishing to pursue weight loss surgery in the future is that they can be qualified for surgery now, and begin the subsequent pre-op process.
When non-emergency operations are being performed again in hospitals, new patients can have their procedures performed sooner.
Call our team at (732) 414-2707 to confirm your medical insurance, if applicable, set up your first consultation to talk about the sleeve gastrectomy or the best surgical weight loss procedures for you, determine if you qualify, and potentially move forward to pre-surgical approvals.
Starting the Bariatric Weight Loss Process
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Prime Surgicare family in 2020!
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Other people lost weight when they came in and watched movies on fucktube