"Gosh, it's hard to ask for help! But I am so glad I did. I couldn't have asked for a better coach and support. Before I met Anna, I was on the fence about Gastric Sleeve surgery for three years. She has lived this journey and has incredible insights and guidance to share". She continues to be with me every step of this journey, and I know that with her by my side, I will get to my goal weight and stay there. If you're considering weight-loss surgery, call Anna; you won't regret it. It's too hard to make this decision alone, and there is so much to unpack about how we get to where we are at our highest weight. Anna's approach is brimming with kindness, compassion, humour, grace, and honesty, and above all, there is no other word for it; love. I can't tell you how much I appreciate her being here with me every step of the way." Laura M.
(Laura & I December 2022)
Background:
Laura
47 Years Old
Female
Starting BMI 46.2
Pre-surgery Weight: 286 lbs
Surgery Weight: 270 lbs - 22 March 2023
Current Weight: 242 lbs - 18 May 2023
Goal Weight: 150 lbs (or healthy)
Laura had been struggling with obesity most of her life. Like most of my clients, she had tried "every" diet. She was particularly anxious about the ever-increasing weight trajectory over the last few years. She had tried several diets and exercise regimens, even spending seven months with a personal trainer four days a week, yet she still didn't lose weight. She was deeply frustrated with her body's "stubbornly slow metabolism".
When we met, she had been talking herself out of Gastric Sleeve surgery for three years. Every time she was sure she would proceed, she'd read another experience on a Bariatric Facebook group that would scare her and quickly convince herself the surgery wasn't for her. So she would once again hunker down and "try again," which was often short-lived as she got increasingly frustrated.
Coaching: Laura and I live in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, so it was easy to meet in person. Our initial program consisted of 1 month x 4 weekly sessions to help her decide if weight loss surgery was a good choice. This consisted of 30-minute weekly sessions and homework assignments. One of the main issues Laura worked through was an inevitable loss of identity. She prided herself on being a Hedonist. Hedonism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. A hedonist is someone who prioritizes the pursuit of pleasure above all else. Food is an essential part of life, and it provides us with nourishment and sustenance. However, for a hedonist, food is primarily a source of pleasure. she had always indulged in rich, decadent foods without regard for their nutritional value or the long-term effects on her health. As a hedonist, She sought immediate gratification and the pleasure that food provided at the moment as all that matters.
While hedonism emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, Laura learnt it is possible to adopt a balanced perspective and approach to being a hedonist. Here are some ways that she decided she could be a better hedonist with a balanced perspective:
Considering the long-term consequences
Find the middle path
Be mindful: Meaning to stay present in the moment and fully engaged with her senses. Allowing herself to fully enjoy the pleasure without being consumed by it.
Prioritize overall well-being as the highest pleasure: including physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Release the rebellion that led to bad choices.
Another critical factor we unpacked in coaching was the ability to invite a smaller version of her to "the table," so to speak. She realized the unconscious biases she had developed over many years toward "skinny girls" and how she had decided they were not really "her people." Laura realized that being heavy meant safety, comfort, security, and companionship, which were mental blocks for her to accept a smaller, healthier version of herself.
However, she told me that the most helpful part of pre-operative gastric sleeve coaching for her was to have someone who had lived the journey without all the scary complications and had achieved her goal weight without the suffering so many in the Bariatric Groups spoke of. We enjoyed many sessions just talking as friends might, and I invited her to ask as many questions as she liked about my experience. Through these impartial, honest sessions, she gained the confidence to decide to book the surgery.
Our sessions continued during her three-week Pre-Op diet. Over this time, we were in contact via WhatsApp support, where she could ask any other questions. We scheduled our main sessions over meals together, and she was intrigued to see my food choices and how little I ate yet, how satisfied I seemed. She was nervous but followed the plan faithfully and lost 15 lbs before surgery.
As we live in the same city, she asked me to go to the hospital with her. Hand-holding is one of the favourite parts of my role as coach, and it was an honour to be there as she left for the OR and to welcome her back a few hours later. One of the most important things you can do after surgery is to get up and walk around. Laura and I did many laps around the hospital floor together. I loved learning how that support touched her.
Post-Operative Support: After the surgery, Laura and I continue our sessions. Meeting each week and being on standby for check-ins, cheerleading and support.
Her surgery and recovery to date have been uneventful, and the care and attention provided by The Weightloss Team here in Puerto Vallarta Mexico was outstanding.
(Laura & I in CMQ Bucerias are waiting for her surgery with The Weightloss Team Puerto Vallarta).
Early Conclusion: The experience of being coached through bariatric surgery was a valuable resource for Laura, considering the procedure. Coaching provided personalized support to help her prepare mentally and physically for the surgery. Support continues in managing post-operative issues and developing long-term weight management and mindfulness strategies.
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