Welcome to the Loser’s Bench!

The information presented in this post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult a medical professional prior to starting any new diet or exercise program. I am not a medical professional nor a fitness trainer. Every effort is made to ensure the information presented in the following post is accurate and true. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and advice first and foremost. Post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read my full terms of use, disclosure policy and privacy policy by clicking on the appropriate links.

I was just like you: severely obese, tired all the time, sick of being the fat girl, frustrated with clothing and scared I was going to die because of my weight. I turned to weight loss surgery to help me lose the weight for good. Finally, I overcame my food addiction and successfully lost over 200 pounds. Now, I want to help you get through the surgical weight loss process and join me on the loser’s bench! Stop Weighting, Start Doing will help you navigate through pre-op and land on your feet post-op.

How Stop Weighting, Start Doing Will Help You Through the Surgical Weight Loss Process

Welcome to Stop Weighting, Start Doing! My name is Nicky Bicksler, and I’m here to provide encouragement, give you some tips and tricks and answer your questions about surgical weight loss. While Stop Weighting, Start Doing doesn’t provide specific diet and exercise plans (but your doctor will!), it will provide you with motivation and strength to continue on your journey. Stick with me, and I’ll help you get through your best and worst days of weight loss surgery. It will be the best decision of your life.

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My Journey

I started my weight loss journey in November of 2017 at 428.4 pounds, and started making changes to lose weight prior to surgery. Little did I know that in 2018, I’d be making more major life changes. In March of 2018, I kicked out my emotionally and financially abusive husband. At the time it seemed as if my whole world was falling apart, but now I realize it was the second best decision of my life. In April, I moved back home with my parents until I could become financially stable again. While all of these big changes were happening, I was still going through the process to get weight loss surgery and losing weight.

Surgery and Beyond

I joined the Loser’s Bench (a common term among the bariatric community for weight loss surgery) on June 18, 2018. I felt scared, excited, overwhelmed and happy to be making such a positive change for myself. The first few days were tough, but I had already been through so much, I knew I could handle it. On September 16, 2018 (my 31st birthday!) I ran my first 5k post-op and felt amazing. In October, I ran an obstacle 5k course as well. It was an incredible experience, and there was no way I could have done these races at my heaviest weight.

October 2018 was an exciting and stressful month for me. Not only did I run my obstacle 5k race, but I met my now boyfriend. He has been so sweet and supportive, and I am truly lucky to have met him. However, that month I also found out that I would be losing my full-time job of seven years. It meant I’d also lose health insurance and life insurance as well. It was an extremely stressful and exciting time. Luckily, I got hired at a great company in December and started a new career in January 2019.

Let Stop Weighting, Start Doing Help You

My journey has been full of ups and downs, and I want to take everything I learned about weight loss surgery, exercising, eating, life, money and myself to help you get through it. There’s no doubt that you will also face ups and downs as you go through your journey. Life happens. I get it. Stop Weighting, Start Doing will help you get through those moments when you want to give up. It will help you get through those times when you’re scared and feel like no one could possibly understand how you’re feeling. I’ve been there, I’ve felt it and you are not alone!

What you won’t find on Stop Weighting, Start Doing is specific diet and exercise plans. Surgical weight loss is about a lifestyle change, and each surgeon and hospital does things a little differently. It’s extremely important that you follow your doctor’s advice and plans for eating and exercising after weight loss surgery. You’ll be able to find tips and tricks to help with eating and exercising, but the specifics of your diet will be up to your doctor.

What You Gain

As bariatric patients, we hate the dreaded G word – gain! However, as you lose weight, you gain life. You gain self-confidence, control, happiness and most importantly, self-love. Stop Weighting, Start Doing is here to give you that push to keep fighting, to remind you why you’re going through all of this struggle and to show you that you aren’t alone. Let me help you gain the strength you need to overcome any obstacle life throws at you. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share!

To get you started, check out these posts to help you gain a better understanding of Stop Weighting, Start Doing: Six Easy Ways to Drink More Water, What You Gain By Losing Weight, and The Time I Failed Myself.

You Can Do This!

While it seems intimidating now, you can be successful at surgical weight loss. I’ve been where you are: scared, excited, nervous and even overwhelmed. Let me help you eliminate the overwhelm and fear by giving you tips and tricks to get through it. I’ll help keep you motivated through my posts on Stop Weighting, Start Doing! This surgery will be the best decision you have ever made, and I’m so excited to welcome you to the Loser’s Bench! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns you may have at nicky@stopweightingstartdoing.com.

If this article gave you some great ideas to incorporate into your life, just imagine what other amazing strategies I have for you! Share this post on social media by clicking one of the sharing buttons, and don’t forget to join my email list! You’ll be the first to get updates, access to my new products and lots of tips, inspiration and motivation to help in your bariatric surgery journey. Just for joining, I’ll send you a free weight loss coloring chart, as well as some other pretty awesome goodies to keep you motivated. Join today!

In Summary

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