From Weight Struggles to Wellness: One Woman’s Bariatric Surgery Journey
Catherine Mahon-Buckley, artistic director of the Cork academy of Dramatic Arts, recently shared her inspiring story of overcoming meaningful weight challenges through bariatric surgery. Her journey, marked by both hardship and triumph, offers a powerful message of resilience and self-acceptance.
Mahon-Buckley’s weight struggles began years ago. “When I was younger I was really thin,” she recalls. “I was thin getting married. I started taking the pill and I blew out – I ended up having a blub that was under my bust.Some people call it a spare tire. It was horrible. You name it, I tried every diet – I was permanently on diets and going nowhere.”
Her weight gain led to health complications,including borderline diabetes. Regular checkups with her doctor eventually led to a life-changing suggestion: bariatric surgery. Initially hesitant, especially during a period of grief following her mother’s passing, Mahon-Buckley ultimately decided to pursue the procedure.
A significant health scare following a COVID-19 vaccine served as a catalyst. “after my third covid vaccine, I had a bad reaction. My lungs had to be cleaned out. I realised my diaphragm couldn’t go down properly because of the blub.I got such a fright – ‘Jesus, my diaphragm can’t work properly!’” This experience solidified her resolve.
“I realised if I wanted a healthy life and maybe an extension of my life – and to feel good about myself – I’d have to make changes.”
The decision wasn’t easy. The process involved extensive testing and consultations with various specialists, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, psychologists, dieticians, and physical therapists.”You need to be very strong in your mind to walk this journey,” Mahon-Buckley emphasizes. “My mind was in the right place and when that happens, the strength you get… nothing was going to stop me.”
prior to the June 14th surgery, she embarked on a rigorous 800-calorie-a-day diet and began exercising regularly.”A month before the operation I had to go on an 800 calorie-a-day diet and I had to exercise. I joined the gym. That was amazing. I used to go three days a week, now I go seven – it puts me in the right frame of mind for the day.”
The recovery was challenging. “But after was hard.I couldn’t eat for nearly six weeks, just shakes or little sips of what I could take. It’s only now, a year later, that I’m starting to drink water again. Everybody’s different,but your whole eating habits change radically.”
Despite the difficulties, Mahon-Buckley’s transformation has been remarkable. She’s embraced a healthier lifestyle, finding joy in her renewed energy and improved self-image. Her story serves as an inspiration to others considering bariatric surgery, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude and the potential for a life-changing transformation.
Cork Director’s Dramatic Transformation: Weight Loss, Health, and a Mother’s Intervention
Catherine Mahon-Buckley, the artistic director of the cork academy of Dramatic Arts, has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding a significant amount of weight and dramatically improving her health following bariatric surgery. Her journey is one of both physical and emotional healing, interwoven with a deeply personal connection to her late mother.
Before the surgery, Mahon-Buckley estimates her size as between a 18 and a 22. Now, she’s a size 10. But this impressive weight loss wasn’t solely about aesthetics; it was a crucial step towards better health. “I feel very secure in myself,” she says. “I feel I’ve changed because I wanted to change and I’ve changed into something great. But I didn’t do this for aesthetic reasons – I did it for my health. I’m no longer diabetic or asthmatic.”
The impact on her health has been profound. ”I whent through last winter with my lungs clear for the first time in years,” she shares. “I didn’t have a cough or cold, I was on no steroid or antibiotic. I feel very healthy now. My energy levels are through the roof.” Her blood sugar levels have also dramatically improved, dropping from 8.6 before surgery to 4.6 now. Her doctor was so impressed by the transformation that he showed the before-and-after blood work to a colleague, who was astonished by the difference.
Mahon-Buckley attributes part of her motivation to a spiritual connection with her mother. “People might think it’s loopy,” she admits, “but I do believe it was my mum’s intervention from the other side. She’d always say to me about the blub, that it wasn’t normal. Apparently, she’d spoken to ted, my husband – she asked him to make sure I’d get it sorted.”
- Catch Catherine Mahon-Buckley’s direction of Cork’s Traditional Pantomime, Red Riding Hood, at The Everyman until January 12.
Mahon-Buckley’s story serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of health-focused decisions and the enduring strength of family bonds, even beyond the physical realm. Her journey resonates with many Americans struggling with weight-related health issues, highlighting the importance of seeking professional medical advice and support for achieving lasting health improvements.
