Ross Hall
Date:26/11/2021
What was your life like before you had weight loss surgery?
Since my mid teens, I have struggled with my weight, I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many diets I have been on and how many journeys I have done through food and exercise programs to loss weight, only to pack it pack on and some, every time, 6 months later.
Honestly, it has been are real challenge, both mentally and physically that I have battled with for 40 years.
I have been through the process of a ballon in my stomach which was an undesirable method and in the end, I packed the 20kgs on lost,.. and a bit more back on within 4 months of having it removed.
I am a very motivated person, but as I got older, my movement wained and my energy levels slumped, frustrating the hell out of me cause my body wouldn’t do the things my mind wanted it to.
Then came the crunch, chest pain….
What inspired you to seek help for weight loss?
I visited a heart surgeon as after I walked 100 metres, my chest felt like I was sitting on it with pain and being told that if I keep on going the way I was, an early death was in my sights, let alone the journey on my way there with chest pain, diabetes, embarrassment and an all round mental feeling of “what a dick I am”.
That was my final straw…that’s when I looked into a gastric surgery, in my mind it was my last hope of living a longer, healthier life.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your weight loss?
Bloody Optifast…., boy it worked though, but that pre build up to the op was a sudden jolt of reality that I was on a committed and serious journey to my well-being. Within days from the start of my pre op preparation, the numbers on my scales decreased, sometimes, dramatically, what an awesome feeling that was, my clothes became loser and by the time I was ready for my surgery, I was 15kgs lighter and my clothes were starting to hang off me rather than stretch around me.
This in its self was the driver to go through the journey of gastric surgery, stuff was happening, fast and I was pumped and excited for the future.
How did weight loss surgery change your life?
Negative changes - I had to go and buy a whole new wardrobe!
Positive changes – Where do I start…
Relief
Proudness
Sky rocketing self esteem
Fitness
Walking EVERY day
Compliments from people
My health-lower blood pressure, no meds now, walk up Mt Wellington without stopping
Energy levels
Sex drive
Mentally-I can do anything
Physically- I fit into places I never could
How was the overall experience and support you received?
The overall experience was terrifying, I knew I was doing something that was irreversible, that scared me and took some talking to myself to get around as it is a complete change of life and lifestyle, THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF…EVER! I am so proud of myself and feel like I'm 16 again, but unfortunately, I’m 64
One thing that made the journey way easier was the support that I had from the team from the girls on reception to my dietitian, even the encouragement I had from Dr Micheal Booth himself. These people know the rewards you will receive and their passion and support creates that ground swell of success.
2 days ago was my 1 year celebration…55kgs gone FOREVER and counting…
From your experience, what advice would you give to anyone contemplating weight loss surgery?
My advice to anyone contemplating surgery is YOU HAVE TO DO IT. You will never regret losing that weight, becoming healthier, fitter and mostly you will never be so comfortable in your own skin, your confidence will soar to extreme highs and you will be tremendously proud of yourself with the massive bonus of living longer
Any other comments?
I started my journey weighing in at 151kgs, I sit around 95-97kgs now, I never though in my wildest dreams I would ever break the 100kgs mark, but I did and I'm the happiest man in the world