Jvschultz

I had weight loss surgery, the gastric sleeve, in August of 2011. The sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure where 70 percent of the stomach is removed and the remainder is formed into a long tube shape, or sleeve. Here is what led to my decision.

My weight had always been a struggle for me. I was “chubby” when I was a kid and in my teenage years I was thin, but not skinny enough. As an adult I joined a gym and started to work out and I loved it. I still felt that I wasn’t skinny enough, but I was able maintain my weight for years with exercise.

Eventually life happens and I gained weight, a lot of weight. I was later was diagnosed with pre diabetes and depression. So my life, for many years, went something like this: try fad diet, work out, lose no weight, stop working out, and turn to food for comfort. I tried everything, Adkins, South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, a shake diet, etc. Some worked and I lost weight but eventually I gained it all back.

I also exercised; I signed up boot camps, I took some spin classes, and even gave Crossfit a try. Cycling however, was my favorite form of exercise and I felt like I was good at it. So good that in 2011 signed up for the MS150, a bike ride from Houston to Austin. Unfortunately I didn't make it to Austin. I trained a lot for it and was frustrated that I failed. Around this time I began to have gall bladder issues and my blood pressure began to go up. This is when I made the decision to have weight loss surgery.

Since my surgery, I've completed 8 sprint triathlons and 8 half marathons. I completed my first marathon, the Chevron Houston Marathon, this year and I'm training for it again. Along with my current training I've started Crossfit. I don't exercise to lose weight anymore; I exercise to be a better athlete.