September 2021

Sandy Wade

1. What made you decide to have wls surgery?
I had a uterine cancer scare and was told that that type of cancer is caused by obesity. That was the final straw! I HAD to do something! I still have a lot of life to live!
2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and... What’s the goal?
120kg was my heaviest. I had a number of goals 1st-75kg, 2nd 70kg, 3rd 65kg and last 60kg. I am at 66kg but close to 65kg.
3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
I decided to eat in a way that I need and want to keep eating for the rest of my life, (to eat to provide my body with what it needs), and just see how far my weight went down doing that. I am extremely happy Ive reached 65-66kg!
4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
Thankful is the biggest emotion! I am pain free, I can do things I couldnt do at 120kg. I am confident and active and excited that I am going into my 60's (Im turning 59 this year) healthy and with the energy needed to take on my new career of age care lifestyle worker
5. Were there any problems along the way?
Yep. I was on a liquid diet for the first 7 weeks because of constant nausea. This was happening at the same time that I was needing frequent trips to nowra to oversee the urgent house repairs needed after a tenant damaged it. It was a tough time!
6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
Yes! I am so so so thankful that I am healthy and can live life well!
7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
My compassion for large people... I feel so sorry for them, knowing how awful it is to be that huge! This has taught me to love myself, (after a life time of hating what I saw in the mirror- my first weight loss group was when I was 13-14 yrs old! That is a LONG time to feel you are less acceptable than other slimmer more attractive people!), and to have more self-control as I think on what is true and best. I strive to life an "abundant" life and love to encourage others to do this too... and me taking the step of bariatric surgery meant I was "walking my talk".
8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
The surgery cost $22,000. I am a "supported missionary" relying on God providing through individuals and churches. How could I afford to pay for this surgery? He provided... friends and supporters contributed 1/2 the amount and my Missions Agency provided the rest! AMAZING! The pain I was feeling was partly due to being gluten intolerant. I didnt know I was gluten intolerant... which explains why a vegan diet didnt work!
9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?
Start straight away in monitoring your food choices. Dont have any "last eating binges". Buy small food storage containers that will help with portion control. Take regular photos of your progress and use a tape measure to track body changes. Even if the scales dont always move you can see the change through the tape measure. Dont panic in the early days. Drinking will be hard! Everything is hard! But it gets better! Do your best and be patient.... you will be able to get 2 lit of liquid in one day! And take in more than a tea sp of water at a time. Look after your body and eat to provide what it needs.... and let your body say how much it wants to loose. If you cant do any other exercise... walk. Walking is good... and it feels great the more you loose.
10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?
I live life better! I have more energy and joy! Even the simple things are easier! I can put on socks and shoes easily. I can wipe my bum easily! (this might be a bit too much info ^-^.... but it is an awful thing when you are so obese you cant do things like this easily!). The hardest part is when I forget to eat slow enoguh or chew enough and I spend 1 to 4 hrs bringing food up! Its awful... but I am learning how to avoid this better these days.