I already get plenty out of my own weight loss surgery. I have my health, my energy, my self-esteem, and my freedom from food. But there is another effect of the surgery that is just as thrilling to me: the ability to inspire others.

It is always thrilling when someone comes up to me and lets me know that I have inspired them in some way, whether it is to get weight loss surgery or to help others by sharing about their own weight loss surgery journeys.

In a less obvious but just as rewarding way, I like to think that I have inspired my kids to live a little healthier. It may not be conscious health decisions on their parts, but I take pride when they ask for fruit instead of dessert after dinner, or when they spend their free time playing outside.

So, how have you inspired others? Did you do it consciously, or were you surprised to learn that you had been an inspiration? Did someone come up to you and tell you that you inspired them? Or have you just gotten to watch others following in your footsteps?

Yes, early on I was definitely an inspiration to others. Many friends around me became conscious of my progress and took their own journey to health (in some way). I also was told that I was an inspiration in my new workplace, because when I first went there I had lost my weight and was still really disciplined.

Sadly, it was about 6 months into that work environment that I started back-sliding and had the gain. However, I'm very quietly digging in my heels and going to work really hard to re-lose my gain.

yes - I'm often asked by my surgeon's office to speak to the pre-op groups. I've lost over 200 lbs and am almost at a normal BMI, so there are always a couple of them who come up to me after class to tell me I've inspired them :-)

The first two years post op many commented that my transformation was inspiring to them. I even worked out with a few people from my office during that time. One coworker went on to lose quite a bit of weight and I gave her clothes as she was a couple of sizes behind me in her journey. It was inspiring to me to see how others reacted to my journey and that it created a chain reaction. My coworker is now doing more activities with her daughter who is overweight.

I'm very open about having WLS, and don't hesitate to share my story. I think dispelling the myths and the shame that surrounds surgery can't help but allow others to seek help. Not everyone feels they can share but since I can I feel it's my responsibility to help spread the message. It's gratifying how open and supportive people can be when I tell them, and it makes me more determined than ever to keep the weight off. Obesity is seen as a self-control problem and so much shame has been attached, it makes me angry since the food industry is very much part of the problem. Conditioned hypereating is a social issue not a personal one and every bit as damaging as alcoholism. No one can heal alone. We all need help to move forward to happy healthier lives.

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