Lawrence’s Story
In March 2015, I had nasal surgery to remove pre-cancerous nasal polyps. While waiting for surgery, I gained 33 pounds as a result of taking Prednisone. Within a few months of this surgery I started to experience a reoccurrence of breathing issues. I subsequently learned that I had to have more surgery.
On June 3, 2016, I had double surgery at St Michaels Hospital in Toronto to remove the inverted nasal papilloma and skull-based surgery to remove part of the brain tissue in order to patch a hole to stop brain fluid leak. The two procedures took 8 hours. The recovery was long and difficult. I initially had difficulty with balance, walking, driving and sustained some slight memory loss. As I lay in bed recovering, I realized I had taken many things for granted such as the ability to walk and drive. Through determination and prayers, I made a commitment that I would do whatever I could to appreciate the simple things in life like my health.
On December 21, 2016, I went to MCC. I met with Muriel, MCC Dietitian, to gain an understanding as to how I could eat better and modify some bad eating habits that I had developed as a result of my lifestyle and work-related travel. I was interested in exercising but mostly to build strength, regain balance and enhance endurance. I made a personal commitment to attend MCC for one year with a promise to myself that I would evaluate the benefits of attending MCC after the first year.
As I reflected upon my year at MCC and evaluated my progress, I have decided to renew my commitment and continue at MCC for the following reasons:
1) Staff – everyone at MCC is very friendly and welcoming. The trainers are very knowledgeable and the Dietitian and Nutritionists are very competent. Each fitness trainer has her own fitness style and they are open to listening and working with everyone regardless of fitness level. The trainers are very positive, patient, and encouraging.
2) Participants – Initially, I was very hesitant to get involved in any fitness activity. As I became involved, I realized that many of the participants were interested in losing or maintaining weight, staying fit and maintaining good health. Along the way, I met other participants who encouraged and inspired me. This was an unexpected bonus.
3) Programs – MCC offers a variety of structured and organized activities from functional fitness, to yoga and boxing to name a few. Depending on your journey, there’s something for everyone. I prefer structured and guided activities. I know that if I just rely on myself, I will not work out on my own.
4) Diet and Nutrition – MCC Dietitian and Nutritionists are competent and up-to-date on all matters pertaining metabolism and various diets. I travel a lot for work and travel frequently into the USA. The Nutritionist (Vanessa) reviewed various restaurant menus and provided the better nutritional alternatives so that I could eat to maintain my weight loss. I now have a better understanding of how to eat healthy and really liked the “good, better, best” approach to selecting what to eat.
5) Access to Physiotherapist – If you need physiotherapy, MCC has a good physiotherapist who will do a complete examination, make recommendations and the MCC Fitness Instructors will customize a program for you. I have used the services of the physiotherapist because of issues with my lower back and knees.
6) Personal Fulfillment – I have lost 28 lbs since joining MCC on December 21, 2016. I eat healthier and I hope others can feel encouraged by what I have accomplished. I could not have achieved my personal goals without fitness instructors Lisa R, Kelly and Andrea pushing me and other participants who encouraged me. Words of affirmation are powerful and these individuals spoke words of power and encouragement to me. Thank you!
In conclusion, I have exceeded my original goal to understand and to modify my eating habits. Along the way, I have lost some weight. I am more active and my level of fitness and balance has improved. If you have any trepidation regarding nutrition, fitness, and diet, MCC is a safe place to start.*
–Lawrence M.