Ms N: Overcoming Problems To Succeed

Surviving Triple Bypass Surgery and Rapid Weight Gain

Weight Loss Details

Procedure: Medical Weight Loss

Insitial Consultation Date: June 2023

Pre Consultation Weight: 100.4kg (Heaviest 104kg)

Current Weight: 79kg

Why Choose Dr Lockie

Recommended by my GP, Dr Linda Spinks

Ms N's Weight Loss Journey

My life has been a weight loss journey... Up or Down.

Coming from a family where food is for happiness, sadness, celebrating or just boredom - eating helped ease all emotions.

I've always been a sporting/active person including competitive Surf Life Saving, however, I hit menopause and everything in my body went haywire.

 A Medical Emergency Kick Started My Weight Gain

I moved back to Brisbane from Perth and got a new GP who focussed on womens health. Luckily she was thorough because within 3 months of meeting her I had to have triple bypass surgery. 

This was unexpected, however, with so many menopause issues, any symptoms I may have had were not evident. After surgery my physical health seemed to balance out, but it was a big head space thing to go through when you thought you were fit and healthy. 

Then the weight starting piling back on... I went from 90kg at surgery to 104kg at my heaviest. It didn't take long to gain the weight but I couldn't stop eating. I had no 'full' feeling so even though I thought I was mostly eating 'healthy' foods, I was over eating to the max.

I Decided To Take Action To Lose Weight

My head space was getting down. I needed to do something.

I'd been reading up on the new weight loss medications and asked my GP about it. She referred me to Dr Lockie's practice. I met with Shirley Lockie and discussed my options. 

Having gone through major surgery I did not and do not want to go through any elective surgery. Shirley gave me information on the weight loss medications and I started my weight loss journey.

I Was In It For The Long Haul

I figured it took me a few years to gain so much weight so I was mentally prepared to take that long to get the weight off. This was to be a lifestyle change where my eating habits were to get under control and be able to sustain it for a lifetime.

I am not a cook and nor do I like salads much (they don't fill me). However I do like tuna, eggs, meat and veges. So there are plenty of alternatives.

I've also been consulting with Dr Michelle Van Vuuren. This has been a major help to put me on track mentally and not to beat myself up if I have a bad day or two.

I've consistently lost about half a kilo every month which is my goal. Consistency is my focus.

The Multi Disciplinary Approach Has Worked For Me

I also started walking twice a day. I was already doing once a day but doubled it. I'm not a fast walker but I incorporate hills to get the cardio going. 

I bought a fit watch to keep me honest in the steps I'm doing per day (6K-8K) and keeping my heart rate up. 

I also joined up for reformer pilates. It's been a great way to keep flexible and strong without breaking out in a sweat. 

After menopause my body seemed to stiffen up and pilates helped give me my movement back. 

It's been a combination of weight loss medication, head space counselling, and a determination to finally get to my goal weight. Actually, under my goal weight.

The health benefits have been phenonmenal. I've even dropped off my blood pressure tablets.

My Confidence Has Returned

The weight loss benefits have given me additional confidence. Last year I travelled around Europe on my own and I'm planning to go back new year to see the Winter Olympics in Italia. 

I think I'll even give snowboarding another go if the body is feeling up to it while I'm over there.

Not bad for a 63 year old I think.. LOL