I wanted to dedicate a spot on the website to honor hard working ROCKSTARS. So I came up with “The Journey” to highlight people that I have been watching over the years. A few years ago I created the BOOT CAMP page and noticed a young lady by the name of Kristie Taylor Messa grinding. And I mean running like she was Forrest Gump. I kept my eye on her and I saw her in 5k after 5k, marathons, triath…ok well maybe not that but I saw a woman that got it. That seemed to understand that if she stopped moving she would end up spreading. I made sure as I was making the website page that she be the FIRST person to be recognized. I’m so proud of what she has accomplished. So please take the opportunity to congratulate her on her weight loss and her GRIND!!!!
HW-235
SW- 220
CW-135
1) How long did you want the surgery before you actually had it done?
I debated the surgery off and on for almost 4 years before I went to the seminar.
I debated the surgery off and on for almost 4 years before I went to the seminar.
2) What was the time frame from attending the weight loss seminar to making your decision to have the surgery?
I left the seminar knowing I wanted to have the surgery. I was ready to change my life.
I left the seminar knowing I wanted to have the surgery. I was ready to change my life.
3) How did you go about choosing the right bariatric surgery for You?
I chose RNY (Gastric Bypass) because it had been around the longest and seemed to have the highest success rate. I also wanted the restriction that the bypass came with.
I chose RNY (Gastric Bypass) because it had been around the longest and seemed to have the highest success rate. I also wanted the restriction that the bypass came with.
4) What was your biggest fear?
My biggest fear was failing once again at losing the weight and keeping it off. I have struggled for so many years to keep the weight off time and time again after losing it. The surgery gave me the tool needed to succeed finally .
My biggest fear was failing once again at losing the weight and keeping it off. I have struggled for so many years to keep the weight off time and time again after losing it. The surgery gave me the tool needed to succeed finally .
5) Did you take other people’s opinions about your decision to heart?
I listened and respected everyone opinions but in the end it had to be my decision.
I listened and respected everyone opinions but in the end it had to be my decision.
6) What was your motivation behind wanting to have weight loss surgery?
My motivation was 100% my four children. I knew if I kept down the road I was going that I would not be healthy enough to be there for them.
My motivation was 100% my four children. I knew if I kept down the road I was going that I would not be healthy enough to be there for them.
7) What did you do prior to your surgery to prepare your body for post surgery?
My insurance required me to be on 6 months supervised low carb diet. I had 6 months of nutrition classes I had to attend. One scheduled every month. My surgeon also put me on 7 days complete liquids the week before my surgery to shrink my liver for him to perform the surgery.
My insurance required me to be on 6 months supervised low carb diet. I had 6 months of nutrition classes I had to attend. One scheduled every month. My surgeon also put me on 7 days complete liquids the week before my surgery to shrink my liver for him to perform the surgery.
8) What health problems did you have prior to weight loss surgery and did they go away after?
Prior to surgery I had High Blood Pressure, GERD, Pre diabetic and arthritis in both knees. All issues went away after surgery except for the arthritis. That will unfortunately will never go away but the weight loss sure has helped it ease the pain.
Prior to surgery I had High Blood Pressure, GERD, Pre diabetic and arthritis in both knees. All issues went away after surgery except for the arthritis. That will unfortunately will never go away but the weight loss sure has helped it ease the pain.
9) How was the healing process after the surgery?
The healing after was rough for me the first few days. After that the pain eased up pretty much.
The healing after was rough for me the first few days. After that the pain eased up pretty much.
10) Did you start working out as soon as you were cleared from your surgeon to do so?
Yes ABSOLUTELY! I hired a trainer and worked with her for one week to learn the basics then continued on my own.
Yes ABSOLUTELY! I hired a trainer and worked with her for one week to learn the basics then continued on my own.
11) Do you have any regrets about having the surgery?
To be honest the first 4 weeks absolutely. Only because I was trying to adjust to the smaller portions, getting fluids in and protein.
To be honest the first 4 weeks absolutely. Only because I was trying to adjust to the smaller portions, getting fluids in and protein.
12) What has been the most difficult part of your journey?
I would have to say the most difficult part of my journey has been adjusting to the smaller portions. Now that I am 2 years out that of course has become easier. But Woo wee that first few months was an adjustment.
I would have to say the most difficult part of my journey has been adjusting to the smaller portions. Now that I am 2 years out that of course has become easier. But Woo wee that first few months was an adjustment.
13) Has it been hard to keep up with your vitamins?
At first it’s a HUGE adjustment! But your body so desperately needs them so it really becomes habit.
At first it’s a HUGE adjustment! But your body so desperately needs them so it really becomes habit.
14) If you had one piece of advice to give someone wanting to have the surgery what would it be?
My one piece of advice would be stick to the program your doctor puts you on. I did and had amazing results.
My one piece of advice would be stick to the program your doctor puts you on. I did and had amazing results.
15) What has been the biggest reward?
Oh goodness too many to name! First would absolutely be my health! Second would be all the energyI have! I never thought I would be a runner! I have completed numerous 5K’s and 10K’s. I just recently completed my first Half Marathon and I’m still training to complete my second Half Marathon the 21st of this month in Roanoke Va. That one is the BRM half marathon. It is known as the toughest road marathon in America. So pretty excited about that one! A bit scared also lol.
Oh goodness too many to name! First would absolutely be my health! Second would be all the energyI have! I never thought I would be a runner! I have completed numerous 5K’s and 10K’s. I just recently completed my first Half Marathon and I’m still training to complete my second Half Marathon the 21st of this month in Roanoke Va. That one is the BRM half marathon. It is known as the toughest road marathon in America. So pretty excited about that one! A bit scared also lol.
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