Mackenzie Mitchell

The new year is when many people jump-start their healthcare journey, specifically when it comes to dieting and exercise. While it can be a challenge for many to stick to their goals, 33-year-old Mackenzie Mitchell has found that her gym community, bariatric support group, and participating in triathlons have kept her motivated in her weight loss.

Though she was physically active by going to the gym, Mackenzie struggled to lose weight and keep it off, so she felt bariatric surgery would help her jump-start her weight loss and health goals.

In July of 2020, Mackenzie had bariatric weight loss surgery at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan. Due to it being a minimally invasive procedure, Mackenzie preferred to receive a gastric sleeve over a different procedure, and her surgeon agreed that it was the best option for her.

Despite COVID-19, Mackenzie wasn't nervous about getting the procedure and being in a hospital setting; she attributes this to the comfortability and support from the bariatric team and the hospital staff. She was just excited to get her weight on track! She also is grateful to her doctor for being so supportive and helpful during her bariatric surgery journey.

Though she had a great surgery experience, Mackenzie says that it can be difficult after surgery to stick to the calorie restrictions; she said it could be like learning to eat again in a new way, including different meal sizes. Though challenging, she found support and comfort through the hospital program's bariatric support group.

She also found it helpful to meal prep, especially at the beginning of her post-surgery journey, because it aided in sticking to the appropriate meal sizes and calorie amounts. When she noticed the weight coming off, she was even more motivated to stick to her diet.

A helpful benefit from the hospital's program is its virtual monthly bariatric cooking classes; Mackenzie says she loves watching them for easy and healthy meal options. These classes are offered to prospective bariatric patients, those who've had surgery, and anyone who wants to learn easy and healthy meal options!

Since her surgery, Mackenzie has lost over 100lbs and has noticed continued improvements in her strength, endurance, and motivation at the gym; she says she's now working out five times harder than she used to. She also practices better eating habits more consistently than she did before having the surgery, which has greatly aided in her weight loss success.

Mackenzie has also been participating in her gym's form of a triathlon known as a "DriTri." Hosted by Orange Theory Fitness, this version of triathlon doesn't include a swimming portion but consists of a 5K, a 2,000m row, and 300 body-weight reps.

Not only has she participated in dry-triathlons through her gym, but she also has participated in women-only triathlons with her mother. After seeing her daughter's success, Mackenzie's mom decided to participate in a triathlon with her after seeing how well her daughter was doing. Mackenzie's progress has been motivating to her mom!

Mackenzie feels having a support system is also key to success, and it's important to pick a hospital and bariatric program that you feel comfortable with and supported by. We are proud to be part of weight loss journeys like Mackenzie's.

Learn more about bariatric weight loss surgery at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan.