Dear Team GBI,
In this guest entry to our Special Edition Marathon Blog we’d like to further introduce you to our two ½ marathon team captains, Vicky and Moises Diaz. As fellow GBI patients, the Diaz’s are looking forward to sharing their healthy weight loss journey as well as a 13.1 mile victory with each team member! Read on to hear more from Vicky and Moises.
Happy Training!
GBI
Vicky
My name is Vicky Diaz, and I am married to Moises, my love of over 17 years, my strength in my weakest moments, and my “WHIP” on those days when I just don’t want to exercise, and that used to be NEVER!!! Ha!
In November of 2010 I attended a seminar held by the Gastric Bypass Institute and it showed me that I was on my way to being morbidly obese. That month I began a 6 month mandatory training on how to be mindful of nutrition. I was weighing 291lbs.
By June 9, 2011, I had already lost approximately 15 lbs (the recommended amount necessary for the surgery, according to my insurance). Today, August 16, 2011, (2 months and 7 days later), I weigh 240lbs. To say it has been easy would be a lie, but my life has changed drastically these past few months. The day Dr. Atkinson performed the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy became a day that I will always celebrate. It has given me a new lease in life. Ever since that day, I have continuously lost pound after pound and I feel free, light and capable of conquering the world.
Today, I am looking to walk in the Las Vegas Half Marathon, something I would have never thought I could do. In the past, exercise was not a priority in my life. Today it is; especially with Moises by my side, (hence the name “THE WHIP”). When I heard that Prudence was leaving GBI, Moises and I volunteered to head up the half marathon team. We had never done anything like this, but we felt that we could be an inspiration to all of the people, who like us, had never thought about exercising or much less walking in a marathon. I was always the one with excuses, never making time for me, always taking care of others before taking care of myself. Today, I come first, and it feels good.
We are very excited to be part of this group. I am enjoying the thinner me and I am looking forward to reaching my goal slowly but surely. Weight loss has not become an obsession, I don’t obsess about things, but I have made me my #1 priority.
~Vicky
Moises
My name is Moises Diaz, and I am Vicky’s husband.
My classes began one month after Vicky started the program. Because of my determination, I had lost approximately 80 lbs on my own by the time my surgery was scheduled. Many people (including my insurance) thought that I did not need the surgery, but as you all know, once I started eating again I would put the weight back on, as I had in the past several times. I knew I needed the final “tool” to control my disease.
On August 1, 2011, Dr. Atkinson performed my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. That first week I lost 18 lbs. Today, my wife and I began training for the ½ marathon that will take place on December 4, 2011.
It is going to be exciting to be part of something of this magnitude. Especially for Vicky who isn’t one to exercise much; but I am pushing her (gently) and she is doing great. I have always been inclined to sports so it comes in easier for me, I love riding my bike, hiking and I enjoy walking and exercising, especially Kick Boxing, Zumba and working out with Shawn T videos like “Hip Hop Abs”. I don’t have a six pack yet, but I know that soon, I will.
I am looking forward to the training with the Gastric Bypass Group. It may take us the entire 4 hours to cross that finish line at the Las Vegas Marathon, but together, we will make it.
~ Moises
We look forward to the training season and getting to know each of you!
Vicky & Moises
