#40 - Weight Loss Surgery, HIIT & Running w/ Nichol Parker
Nichol Parker - 2013 (3 Years After Surgery)
Losing weight is one of the most mentioned goals in today’s society. So we decided to do a part two of this topic. My wife, Nichol Parker joins the fun as she shares her story of having weight-loss surgery and using HIIT as a way to keep her weight off.
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Last week’s blog gave 6 benefits of having weight loss surgery. I gave my thoughts on each of the benefits. I have never had the surgery myself, However, I have helped many who've had the surgery, keep the weight off through our easy walk/ run program. This week I asked Nichol for her thoughts on each of the benefits and how it affected her personally. Nichol opted for gastric bypass surgery in 2010. Let's get right into this topic with Nichol.
Nichol, What Is It That You Do For A Living?
NP: “I’m a pioneer, which is what Jehovah’s Witnesses call a full-time minister. I’m also a full-time manager of my house.”
How Long Have You Been Doing Your Profession?
NP: “I’ve been a pioneer a total of 8 years on and off. I’ve been a manager of my house for 14 years.”
Our show today is focusing on helping men and women who have had gastric bypass surgery take up HITT as a way to keep the weight off.
Why do you enjoy HITT? (High-Intensity Interval Training)
NP: “I enjoy HIIT because it helped me get in the best shape of my life in 2013 and when I'm done I know that I've had a great workout. Also, the interval training of raising your heart rate for a short period of time let's say 3 minutes and then slowing it down for let's say 30 seconds and repeating this is proven one of the best ways to lose weight. If you've hit a plateau in your current workout I highly recommend adding HIIT to your workout routine.”
What do you have against running?
NP: “Haha. I don't have anything against running. I just personally feel for me it's always painful. I don't enjoy it. You've even said why do I always look like I'm in pain? Well because I am lol. Some people love it as you do. I just don't, but more power to your trainees, because they are killing it! I just know what works for me. I'm not saying it's not hard to get up and workout but I always feel better when I'm done.”
Take us back to the start of your journey. What was your wake up call?
NP: “I always felt uncomfortable in my own skin and I still struggle with that. My wake up call was after I had my son, Shealen. I was a school bus driver at the time. At the end of the last run, we had to do an inspection of the bus and when I walked up and down the aisle to do the inspection there was little to no space between my hips and the seats on either side. That's when I really said I have to do something, this isn't comfortable or healthy.”
What helped you make the decision that the surgery was right for you?
NP: “I had struggled my entire life with my weight. I would work out, do crazy diets or diet pills. I would lose weight only to gain it back. I needed help. So I looked at surgery as a jump start to my journey. It would help me lose the weight that needed to fast. In this way, I could start to be healthier. It's not a quick fix in any way like some might think. The hard part is keeping it off. I've seen people get weight loss surgery and gain the weight back and maybe even more.”
How much did you lose after surgery and how long did it take?
NP: “I can't really remember exactly how long but I estimate in about 6 months I lost 100 lbs.”
3 years after surgery @ oldest son’s wedding
3 years after surgery @ son’s graduation
Now with every story, a person has a setback. Have you experienced any setbacks since having the surgery? Like weight regain?
NP “Yes. I went on later to lose another 20-25 lbs. about 2 years later with workouts and cutting calories. I did put that weight back on plus about 10 lbs.”
So what was your new wake up call? Something that told you that I’m not trying to go back to that place….
NP “It’s time to get back on the ball because I’m not trying to go back there? Just what you said I'm not trying to go back to that person I was. I went through rings of fire to get the surgery. I was denied first then I applied again and was accepted. I had to get all kinds of tests like EKG, pulmonary test, MRI of the lungs, a physiological test which I had to pay $300 for, and a sleep study. I didn't go through all of that to go back. I didn't want to be the fat girl with a pretty face, as people would say when I was younger. You have such a pretty face you just need to lose weight. This was said to me by family and school mates. It's definitely not a confidence builder.”
Let us go over the 6 benefits of having the surgery and get your thoughts on each.
1. Long-term remission for type 2 diabetes.
“I've never had diabetes, but I was told I definitely would get it if I didn't lose weight. I have an uncle that eventually died from it. So that's a HUGE reason to get the surgery in itself.”
2. Improved cardiovascular health.
“It's really a no brainer. If you deal with all or some of these issues because of weight then I highly recommend considering the surgery. Even though I was fortunate not to have these conditions I definitely could have in the near future without the surgery. Some people ask me if I would do it again? The answer is yes! I don't regret it at all; it could have saved my life.”
3.Relief of depression.
“I deal with bipolar depression. At the time when I had the surgery, I didn't even know I had bipolar. I just thought I dealt with depression alone. Being overweight or obese in my case was definitely a huge factor in being depressed as it is for a lot of overweight people. How can you not be depressed if you don't like yourself let alone love yourself.”
4.Eliminate obstructive sleep apnea.
“I've seen sleep apnea first hand because in the past you (Coach Tadris) had it for years and wore a CPAP machine at night. Sleep apnea is one of the many tests you must get for the surgery. I was surprised to find out after my test that I was in the beginning stages of suffering from sleep apnea. I literally found out by looking at my chart in the hospital as I was about to be taken into surgery.”
5.Joint pain relief.
“I didn't suffer joint pain although I'm surprised I didn't by carrying around an extra 100 lbs. I do know a lot of people that suffer from joint pain and they're overweight or even obese.”
6. Improve fertility.
“I didn't have fertility problems but think about it. If your body isn't working properly and it's overcompensating in other areas like the heart is overpumping because of excess weight then how can the rest of your body fully function correctly?”
What are your healthy habits at the moment? What is your exercise routine? Do you practice intermittent fasting? If so, what is your schedule?
NP “I currently wake up at 6 am to do my home-based HIIT training to get my day started. Once the day happens, it is next to impossible for me to fit it in. Doing it first sets the tone for the rest of my day.”
Do you practice intermittent fasting? If so, what is your schedule?
NP “Yes, I’m currently averaging about 16 hour fast with an 8 hour eating window.”
How do you feel now since adopting this healthier lifestyle?
NP “I feel great. I have my goals set and I’m looking forward to achieving them once again.”
Thank you for being on the podcast this week, and typing out your answers to be presented on the blog. Before we let you go........
WHAT can you say to our listeners who may be ready to start their journey tomorrow?
NP “There is no time like the present, make a life changing decision now! If you feel as though you can lose the weight without surgery, go for it. If you decide that surgery is the best option for you, go for that as well. No matter what though, be resolved to keep it off by finding a workout plan that is right for you. Maybe it’s running, maybe it’s HIIT or both. Keep your diet real. Getting to your goal weight is only the beginning, the challenge is staying there with the right mindset. You can do it!”
***Coach Tadris Letter To Nichol:
Nichol I just wanted to say thank you for being a wonderful wife. A beautiful mother and grandmother to our beautiful children. When we got married on March 10th, 2006, I always saw this beautiful woman looking back at me. I didn’t see how much you weighed, that didn’t matter. I saw you for who you were on the inside. Over some time, I would see the damage that your weight was having on you emotionally. So I would encourage us to exercise together or support you in any avenue you wanted to take to help lose the weight. I tell my clients one thing, but it started with you; “You are a beautiful person no matter how much you weigh. What’s important is how you FEEL! You DESERVE to feel amazing and energized every single day.” Feeling amazing and energized starts with our decision to start new healthy habits. Thank you for taking your health seriously, I really appreciate it. If this world lasts, I plan on living to at least 100 and who will pick up my clothes if you aren’t there with me. In all seriousness, I appreciate your efforts with your spiritual health as well. Living forever will make living to 100 like a drop in the bucket. I conclude once more by saying thank you, I love you forever and always. Happy 14th Anniversary to you my love! 3/10/20 - Your husband
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