Gastric Bypass Before & After With Robanne Robin

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This week we were lucky enough to connect with Robanne Robin. Robanne had gastric bypass surgery in 2009. She went from 300 lbs to 150 lbs. She’s a registered nurse, a motivational speaker, and the author of a must-read book called “Half My Size.” On top of all that, she speaks to kids and passes along the message, “Strong is the new skinny.”

Gastric bypass helped Robanne lose weight. But it did not help her keep the weight off. Gastric bypass didn’t help Robanne with depression. Nor did it make her want to eat less or motivate her to go to the gym.

In this episode we talk to Robanne about her biggest change after surgery, exercise. Robanne went from not working out for over a decade, to making fitness part of her daily routine.

Tips From Robanne:

1. How to get started exercising after weight loss surgery.
   1. Just start.
   2. Walk. It doesn’t matter how far, just walk. Daily.
   3. Slowly increase your distance.
2. How to stay motivated to get out and exercise.
   1. She heard and repeats this message to herself. “No matter how much weight you’ve lost, it will not stay off unless you exercise.”
   2. Don’t be intimidated at the gym. Everyone is insecure. Everyone is trying to get healthier.
   3. Recognize and stop negative thinking immediately. Give yourself a pep-talk.
   4. “Fitness is not about being better than anyone else. It’s about being better than you used to be.”
   5. Keep an extra pair of shoes, socks and workout clothes in your trunk. This eliminates any excuses for not going to the gym.
3. How to stay accountable.
   1. Find an accountability partner.
      1. You can find someone that is in the same place as you at bariatric surgery support group meetings.
      2. Take a fitness class. After a few weeks of going to class, you will make friends and they will motivate you.
   2. Add exercise time to your calendar. Do not schedule meetings or any other plans during this time.
4. Get Robanne’s book. I’ve started reading it and it’s great. It’s easy to read, it’s full of great advice, and it’s inspirational.