The frustrating part was I did a lot of things right. My mom always cooked healthy meals, with very few carbs and grilled chicken and vegetables almost every night, and I continued to eat that way as an adult. When those eating habits failed to control my weight, I tried every diet in the book—Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Medifast shakes. You name it, I tried it. I hired personal trainers, I talked to nutritionists, and I exercised every day. I would lose some weight in the short term but then gain it all back. Nothing seemed to work for the long haul. As I gained in years, my weight climbed.
The weight took a big toll on my self-image, and it also compromised my health. In my late 30s, I had high blood pressure, prediabetes, and fertility issues. I was also diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer at age 40. The cancer wasn't weight related per se, but it added to my already poor health profile. When I turned 43 and my weight surpassed 300 pounds, my husband suggested I talk to a bariatric surgeon. My father had two heart attacks at the age of 48, and my husband was concerned I was headed down the same path.
I was afraid, too, so I agreed to see the surgeon, and I am so happy I did. I will never forget the relief I felt the day I had my first consultation. The surgeon took one look at my chart and one glance at me and said, "You're Slavic. You hold your weight. What took you so long to get here?" He was supportive and kind. Finally, someone understood my struggle! My genetics predisposed me to keep on weight because I was built to ride out a long winter. I could stop blaming myself for my weight and start getting well. (Here is why losing weight feels like a serious struggle.)
Photograph courtesy of chiara gravell
I had a long road ahead of me. Bariatric surgery is not necessarily "the easy way out" people claim it to be. I had to go through months of preparation, including lots of tests and psychological counseling. I practically lived at Penn Medicine for the months leading up to the procedure.
When I woke up after surgery in September 2011, I felt like a Mack truck hit me. I looked down and was still fat! I don't know what I was expecting, but I remember feeling slightly disheartened. But good things were to come.
I wouldn't say things changed much in terms of what I ate following the surgery; my diet still consisted of protein, seafood, and vegetables, but my portion sizes became much, much smaller. For the first time in my life, I felt full. (Check out these 12 best foods to eat when you've hit a weight loss plateau.) I remember calling the nurse, fearing I was having a heart attack, explaining the pressure at the top of my stomach. She said, "Chiara, that's full. Don't eat as much next time."
The weight didn't come off overnight after my surgery, but slowly but surely it melted away. In about a year and a half to 2 years, I lost 150 pounds. Today, I'm half the size I was before.
Perhaps most important, all the health issues I had when I was heavier are gone. I went off the blood pressure medications almost immediately, and my blood sugar is now perfectly fine. My egg quality also improved dramatically, but sadly, my husband since had testicular cancer twice, so we were ultimately unable to conceive.
Photograph courtesy of chiara gravell
In terms of exercise, I was always active, but as weight came off, it became easier for me to move, which felt amazing. Instead of water aerobics, I started to jog and participate in 5Ks. I also reignited a childhood dream; ever since I watched my first Ironman competition, I wanted to be a triathlete. So in addition to jogging, I started to bike and swim. When I participated in my first sprint triathlon, I was still losing weight and considered obese by BMI standards—I was 25 pounds heavier than I am now and a size 14 rather than a size 4. That's when I started my Facebook page, The Formerly Obese Triathlete.
The competitive bug bit me in that first race, and from there, my training took off and built over time. I currently work out 15 hours a week with a combination of strength training, running, and biking, and I walk at least 10,000 steps a day on top of that. At a time in life when most people see their stamina start to fade, mine is still getting better, which is so motivating. My first triathlon took me nearly 3 hours, and now I can complete the Olympic distance in that time.
One of the proudest moments in my journey took place at my first half Ironman. I was tired and out of it, but at the same time, I was so excited and relieved. It was such a spectacularly awesome, joyful feeling. I just couldn't believe how far I'd come.
I also just completed my first marathon—the Marine Corp Marathon—in October. It was difficult, and I didn't feel quite so spectacular at the finish, but I'm immensely proud to have done it, nevertheless.
Today, I hover around 150 pounds and a size 4. I fit in places and in clothes I never did before, and my body is fit and toned. Now that I've lost the weight, strangers hold doors for me, and 25-year-old guys check me out—those things never happened when I was 25. The prejudice is gone.
Photograph courtesy of chiara gravell
With these accomplishments—the weight loss and races—I have inspired other people to challenge themselves and push their limits. A good friend of mine just did her first half marathon the other day, and my uncle is planning his first triathlon to celebrate his 70th birthday.
To someone in a similar situation, struggling with the decision of whether or not to go under the knife, I would say, try everything before you resort to surgery. Weight loss surgery is still surgery, and it's a big deal. If you have been trying to lose weight for a year and haven't succeeded, you need to try for longer than that. Also remember the surgery is not a quick fix—you will have to work at maintaining your weight loss, and your life will forever change. I used to spend my weekends riding motorcycles and taking day trips with my husband. Now my schedule revolves around my workouts as I try to fit in 3-hour bike rides and 20-mile runs. But for me, it is so worth it.
I have to admit, there are days when I feel uncomfortable in this new body, when it feels strange to have to ask the salesgirl at the store for an even smaller size. But I love this new me, and I am excited to continue to live this much happier, healthier life and to inspire others to do the same.
