Since beginning my weight loss journey, I’ve answered what seems like hundreds of questions asked by friends and strangers alike. Questions have ranged from “How did you do it?” to “Do you feel better?” to “You’re not sick are you?” People seem genuinely interested in the details of my weight loss, and even more so when they learn that I used gastric bypass as a tool to aid me in the effort.
To the question of how I did it I usually answer, “With the help of gastric bypass, I’ve learned to eat well and exercise.” Or I say, “The only way it can be done… I take in fewer calories than I burn up.” I explain that it’s not just the proper eating that has helped me, but that I work out every day. My weight has dropped because of calorie deficiency, but my body has grown trim and fit because of the exercise I get.
The Whispered Question
I love talking about my weight loss experience, and I willingly answer all questions in great detail and specifics. I guess that my direct honesty and openness is why, eventually, if we speak long enough, someone will ask me – no, usually whisper to me—a question about my sex life. “Has it improved?”
My answer? I usually tell them, with a great big smile, that I can now do one-armed push ups and hold a plank for three minutes. I let them do the math on that. You can, too.
Science Tells Us Why
Should it be surprising that, with a major weight loss and improved body strength and endurance, my libido would rage and sex life improve? Science and medicine have proven the connection.
First, it doesn’t take a clinical study to understand that being obese puts a real damper on a person’s self-confidence and ability to function sexually:
- It’s hard to feel attractive to your partner,
- Physics works against you,
- You have less strength and stamina
According to WebMD, testosterone levels in obese men are often low[i].
While, as published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, “Dramatic weight loss achieved with weight loss surgery fosters an increase in levels of the male sex hormone testosterone.” Testosterone is the main hormone that regulates a man’s libido and sex drive.
Just another benefit of weight loss surgery and my Journey to Fitness. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go workout.
[i] http://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally