I am going through a period of re-discovery of myself. After thinking carefully about it for two years, I've decided to have gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. I'm scheduled for the gastric sleeve on November 15.
I'm doing this mostly for the health benefits. This surgery will add 15 years or more to my life, but it will also add so much quality to my life. But there is also a deeper motivation that I am only now really starting to understand. I feel like I lost myself over the past 20 years. I gained a lot of weight and suffered from crushing depression. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and was facing the next few years with cognitive and physical decline, including dementia. I was actually mis-diagnosed with a form of dementia and told I had maybe 7-10 years to live. The problem was actually just PD with very severe depression that included memory and cognition problems.
I had given up to hopelessness. But I am now re-claiming my life. More than that, I am reclaiming my whole life, even the brokenness of my past. As part of the bariatric program, I've already begun exercising, doing tai chi, and lifting weights. I have lost 22 pounds so far, and my surgery is still over a month away.
I am returning to myself. I am strong and vibrant and full of life. I am becoming more and more fit and healthy. The younger man in me that was smothered by fat and depression is emerging from this cocoon and stretching out his arms. I may still have Parkinson's, but Parkinson's doesn't have me. I am running, swimming, hiking, bicycling. I am loving my wife and kids and friends and family. I love my life.
This transformation (or re-formation) is opening me up to being more present with others. I may go back into the ministry in one way or another. Right now, my ministry is with middle school girls as I coach a large soccer team. When I give myself love, I have it to give to others abundantly.
I am going through a period of re-discovery of myself. After thinking carefully about it for two years, I've decided to have gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. I'm scheduled for the gastric sleeve on November 15.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing this mostly for the health benefits. This surgery will add 15 years or more to my life, but it will also add so much quality to my life. But there is also a deeper motivation that I am only now really starting to understand. I feel like I lost myself over the past 20 years. I gained a lot of weight and suffered from crushing depression. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and was facing the next few years with cognitive and physical decline, including dementia. I was actually mis-diagnosed with a form of dementia and told I had maybe 7-10 years to live. The problem was actually just PD with very severe depression that included memory and cognition problems.
I had given up to hopelessness. But I am now re-claiming my life. More than that, I am reclaiming my whole life, even the brokenness of my past. As part of the bariatric program, I've already begun exercising, doing tai chi, and lifting weights. I have lost 22 pounds so far, and my surgery is still over a month away.
I am returning to myself. I am strong and vibrant and full of life. I am becoming more and more fit and healthy. The younger man in me that was smothered by fat and depression is emerging from this cocoon and stretching out his arms. I may still have Parkinson's, but Parkinson's doesn't have me. I am running, swimming, hiking, bicycling. I am loving my wife and kids and friends and family. I love my life.
This transformation (or re-formation) is opening me up to being more present with others. I may go back into the ministry in one way or another. Right now, my ministry is with middle school girls as I coach a large soccer team. When I give myself love, I have it to give to others abundantly.