Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
This horrific cycle continued for a year or two, and finally, he broached the topic of bariatric surgery.
“Are you shitting me?” Patrick gasped. By now, our family business was doing millions of revenue each year, and Patrick was a rich man. My brother was dressed in a bespoke suit with his dark hair brushed back, and a gleaming watch on his wrist. He definitely attracted more than his share of attention from the nurses out front.
But that was of no concern to my doctor, who merely stroked his his grey mustache thoughtfully.
“I’m afraid so, Mr. O’Lachlan. I’m worried by Ainsley’s continued weight gain—”
“It’s because she’s growing,” my brother bit out.
“Yes, but the weight is coming on too fast and too much still,” the physician said in a patient voice. “The procedure is just something to consider. I’m not saying you have to, or that Ainsley has to, but bariatric surgery is an option to have on the table.”
Again, they were speaking as if I wasn’t right there in the room with them. I think it’s because I was still young then, and they considered me a child, unable to understand the heavy topics at hand. But I decided to take charge of my own life, and my own future, in that very second.
“I’ll do it,” I said in a firm voice. Both my brother and the physician swung around to look at me, their expressions surprised. It’s almost as if they’d forgotten that I was there, sitting on the exam table. But I turned to them with a cool, determined expression on my face.
“It’s fine,” I say. “There have been a lot of studies on bariatric surgery, and I’ve done some research on my own. Of course, I’m interested in hearing more about your thoughts, Dr. Lynstrom, but it seems like something that could benefit me greatly. Plus, I’m sick of all this diet and exercise stuff. It doesn’t work, full stop, and I’m open to the procedure.”
With that, the wheels were set in motion. I was maybe about fifteen at the time, and we settled on a gastric sleeve, which is a weight-loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tube-shaped organ. The remaining stomach is reattached to the patient’s small intestine, and the result is that you can no longer eat as much, and feel satiated after a snack. Sometimes, patients lose so much of their appetite that they become nauseous when eating, or stop eating after only a few bites and become malnourished. It’s crazy, but it happens.
But I was attracted to the procedure not just because of its success rate, but also because it’s laparoscopic, meaning that the surgeon makes a few incisions in your abdomen, and does most of the surgery on your insides via camera. Pretty amazing, right? The best part is that I have no scars, and that the surgery worked! I lost a massive amount of weight within the first year, much to the delight of Dr. Lynstrom.
“I knew you could do it, my girl,” he said in a fatherly voice while nodding with approval. “You were a great candidate for the sleeve, and it’s worked out seamlessly.”
“Well, I do have to watch what I eat,” I said with a wry grin. “Otherwise, I don’t get enough nutrients, and oh – I’m drinking that shake you recommended, and I just ordered the multivitamins you recommended too.”
“Very good,” the physician nodded with approval. “You’re taking care of yourself. Our health is a lifelong journey, Ainsley. We have to take care of our bodies because it’s the only one we get, so why not care for it? Treat it like a temple. I realize that’s borrowed from the world of wellness, but there’s truth to it. Our bodies deserve to be cared for, because without your health, you have nothing.”
I nodded seriously, and from that moment on, I took care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. The gastric sleeve was the jumpstart to a new life, and it’s been incredible, although let’s be honest – I’m no skinny-minnie. Instead, I’m a girl with curves who savors them. I like my big breasts, wide hips, and thick thighs. I like that I have an hourglass figure because at least I have a figure. Before, I was shaped a bit like a doughboy, and wore loose, sloppy clothes to hide myself. But now, I wear flattering, form-fitting clothing that emphasizes my luscious new shape.
Even more astonishing, I was scouted to be a plus-size model! Never in a million years did I think this would happen, but it did, and it was a dream come true. I was in line with my besties at the food court one day, when the cashier began talking to me. At first, I thought he was a weirdo who was trying to get my number, and it turned out that he was – because he was also a part-time model scout, and wanted me to come by the agency for some Polaroids.