My journey started in 2017 when I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes.
My GP referred me to the Waikato Diabetes Clinic to help me kick the disease. There I was enrolled with a group of 18 participants and a team of 4 dietitians, doctors and coaches and we attended weekly meetings. These meetings started a new journey and way of thinking. I was 168kgs when I started.
We did a lot of mental health and wellbeing work to understand our triggers and to start making changes. With this team I lost 25kgs. I showed my determination of wanting to be a better ‘me’ and prove I was in for the long haul. After discussing options with them we decided a Gastric Bypass would be suitable and achievable so they completed a referral to David Schroeder.
I'd always been a big girl even as a kid. I suffered aches, pains and had severe sleep apnoea along with the diabetes. Once I visited David and his team I had the green light to go ahead with the operation. My mind was all over the place; was I making the right choice for me and is this something I can live with for the rest of my life.. YES yes it was.
Three months later, January 23rd 2019, there I was on the operating theatre bed. I knew I was in good hands and making the best decision of my life. On this day I was 142kgs. I was so determined I went to the gym 5 times a week, became a medal chaser and lived my new life to the best I could. I was in control, I had the tools mentally and physically.
My journey though, has not been easy. I've had a Hiatus Hernia, Tummy Ulcer and a Stricture. But I've pushed through and continue to do so. People say having the operation is the easy way out but it's not! It’s commitment to life long changes that is required.
Luckily having the support of two amazing teams backing me as well as family and friends I have surpassed all goals set. Today I hit the 100kgs loss in total, making me 68kgs.. I've gone from the angry, sad, negative Nancy to a happy-go-lucky positive girl who lives life to the fullest.
Without these life changes I would not of been able to achieve goals like sky diving, riding a harley, driving a 56 Chevy, running in half marathons and marrying the love of my life.