Lindsey Lind Richard is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty and an active community volunteer.
MY ‘WHY’
Obesity runs on both sides of my family, as well as many other health issues. In high school, I did Weight Watchers with my mom. I was very active on the swim team and in the marching band. My weight was always under 190 pounds, and being 5 feet, 9 inches, I carried my weight very well and looked solid.
Heading into college, I started gaining weight and did nothing about it. In 2009, I had an accident that resulted in a broken right ankle that was put in a cast. In 2012, I lost 45 pounds to fit into my wedding dress, but I gained that back plus more.
In 2016, I went through a divorce and was out of control. Then, I broke my left leg, ankle and foot in an accident, which resulted in three surgeries, 14 overnight hospital stays and a year of using a scooter and not walking. My doctor did a complete ankle fusion and had me back on my feet, but it was the hardest year of my life. Throw in a failing relationship, and I was a hot mess. My highest weight was 406. My niece was born in February of 2017, and I knew I had to make a change mentally and physically.
MY GOAL
2018 was a year of recovery, and 2019 was my year. I made up my mind that I would make a change and be able to move faster and be healthier for myself and my family. I set a goal to join a gym and start personal training. My first goal was to lose 30 pounds in three months, or I would go to Tijuana to have the gastric sleeve done.
WHAT I DID
I lost about 20 pounds during the three months and realized this would be a major change and harder than I’d expected. After lots of research, including doctors and insurance pricing, I went to Tijuana in August of 2019 by myself to a highly recommended facility.
HOW IT WORKED
Having the sleeve done was a major change, but not the total answer to my weight issues. I had to dig more mentally than physically at times. Yes, the weight was coming off, but I continued to work with my trainer. I switched to a gym that offered women-focused high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, where I have met some of my closest friends.
THE HARDEST PART
My biggest issue has not been the physical aspect. The biggest challenge has been changing my lifestyle.
I was obsessed with food. It was my go-to on a bad day, a sad day or even a great day. I found comfort in stuffing my face. The sleeve helped fill me up faster, but I had to learn portion control, healthier choices and being OK with leaving food on my plate. I still struggle with some of this, but I am much more aware of my problems. I have a better control of my mind, actions and choices.
WHAT LIFE IS LIKE NOW
Five-and-a-half years after surgery, I feel like I have gained back control of my life — in addition to feeling like a different person. I push to work out five days a week for at least an hour between Beach Bootcamp sessions. I can run farther than I ever have, and I am wearing clothes sizes I wore in high school.
I beam with pride knowing I have lost more weight than I weigh now; I am officially down 206 pounds. I have gone from size 28 pants and 3X tops to size 12 pants and medium/ large tops. My ultimate goal is to reach and maintain a weight of 175 pounds, and I am just 19 pounds away. I will get there and continue with the changes I have made through physical activity and striving to eat as much protein as possible. I let myself have the good sweets now and then, but it’s all in moderation.