Sharon O’Mahony underwent gastric bypass surgical procedure 5 months in the past, having struggled along with her weight and weight-reduction plan for years.
As she approaches her fiftieth birthday she feels happier and more healthy than ever, and is on a mission to make the weight-loss operation reasonably priced and accessible to Irish folks at residence as an alternative of going abroad for cheaper choices.
The mom of 1 from Cork is decided to alter the general public notion of “going beneath the knife” as she shares her “warts and all” journey that introduced her to a spot of happiness she might solely think about.
My Years Of Dieting
“I had been weight-reduction plan on and off for years, however I’d lose 4 stone after which I’d achieve 5. It was a tough battle and nothing was working. I’m going to be 50 subsequent yr and needed to go into that decade more healthy. Before the operation I couldn’t go up and down the steps with out getting out of breath and I weighed 17.8 stone – now I’m all the way down to 13.4. I had seven miscarriages and I had been on fertility medicine for years, so there have been a number of components affecting my weight, together with hormones and stress. I’m undoubtedly a stress eater!”
“I’m solely 5 months into my journey with 4 stone gone and I’m strolling 9k each day on the flat as a result of I’m minding my again, which will be problematic. It was all about timing – I used to be prepared to do that.
“The lightbulb second got here once I was chatting to my son Darragh after I damage my again and he mentioned, ‘Mom, I’d like to see you lose this weight since you’re an incredible mom and a few day you’re going to be an incredible grandmother. I need you round for my youngsters.’ That was it. My mindset was that the ache will not be going to final, and the rewards are going to be a lot extra.
My Surgery Experience
“I went to the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, beneath Dr Colm O’Boyle. They actually taken care of me, with a crew that features a physio in addition to a dietitian. I’m sharing my story as a result of I need to assist others; I need folks to know the nice, the unhealthy and the ugly.”
“I researched the surgical procedure for 2 years earlier than going forward with it. If you don’t do your homework, you’ll be blindsighted.
Lifestyle Reboot
“Before the operation I didn’t eat breakfast. I’d go into work and have 5 or 6 cups of espresso with chocolate and biscuits. I’d end work and choose up a takeaway on the best way residence. That might have been three or 4 occasions every week. Everything was topped off with Diet Coke or a glass of wine. I like meals, however all of the incorrect varieties.
“Now I cook dinner for the household and I can eat no matter they’re having – nonetheless after very small parts I really feel full. I’m by no means hungry and I’ve to remind myself to eat as a result of I’m figuring out rather a lot. I don’t have any cravings, which is superb.”
“For the weight-loss surgical procedure to achieve success, it’s important to mix train with it. Exercise is nice to your thoughts as nicely. When I stand up and I get on the treadmill or I get out on a stroll, I really feel superb. It’s like life has been given again to me once more.”
What I’ve Learned
“There’s undoubtedly the stigma of you being a failure if it’s important to go beneath the knife. I by no means thought that once I was researching it, however now I do know higher and I need to change that mindset. What is a certainty although is that I might by no means have misplaced this weight alone.
“This operation has far exceeded all my expectations. It’s like being a new child child and seeing every thing once more for the primary time. I’m taking my first steps into this new life that was all the time there, however I didn’t need to take part due to my weight.”
“I used to be the grasp of excuses for nights out and occasions as a result of I had nothing to put on. Instead I’m match and fab at 50, I’ve a terrific profession, a terrific marriage and a wonderful son. I need to be right here to see the place his life goes.”
Advice For Others
“Do your analysis. Don’t go by photos. There’s a complete lot extra to it than simply trying good. You have to get your thoughts sorted first. The points that trigger you to achieve weight received’t routinely go away. Talk to your loved ones and individuals who have been via it.
“You’re making a life determination to avoid wasting your self, however don’t do it on a whim. I’ll be trustworthy, I didn’t consider it will be so successful and my aim now’s to make this process extra reasonably priced right here in Ireland and lift consciousness of it. I really feel so safe now that I’d stroll down Patrick’s Street in Cork metropolis sporting a bikini!”
Follow Sharon’s journey here.
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