A Single Person's Bariatric Surgery Decision Transformed A Multi-Generation Lifestyle
Transcript
A Single Person's Bariatric Surgery Decision Transformed A Multi-Generation Lifestyle
Felicity Cohen: Welcome to my Wellness Warriors Podcast. My name is Felicity. I’m the CEO of WeightLoss Solutions Australia. I’m really excited to launch this series of interviews with people in my career, who’ve made an impact, not just on me personally, but on the journey and the whole, changing face and landscape of WeightLoss Solutions Australia.
I’ve been working here as a CEO now for 20 years and 2020 marks my 21st year in the industry of bariatric surgery intervention. And you can probably imagine that over 20 years I’ve seen so much that’s changed, not just in medical and surgical technology and the kinds of procedures that we’ve been able to offer patients.
But in how we’ve evolved in so many different aspects of patient care. And that’s led me to where I’m at right now today, and launching this podcast is actually something that I’m super excited about. So today I’m going to introduce my very first guest, Trish Bridgement. Trish, I’ve actually known you now for 17 years and can’t believe that we’re sitting here today, 17 years later, your surgery was in 2002.
Trish Bridgemand: Gosh, that long ago.
Felicity Cohen: So first of all, welcome to the Wellness Warriors Podcast
Trish Bridgemand: And you haven’t changed a bit.
Felicity Cohen: Neither of us have age day. So yeah, 17 years has gone by so, so quickly, but for you, that’s meant a lifetime of change and growth. and so many experiences that we can relate back to where you first started 17 years ago. So I guess my first question, if you can think back to 2002, before October, 2002, when you’ve had your first surgery. What was that one trigger for you that made you think I really need to do something about my health, my wellness, and change my life?
Trish Bridgemand: I think I’d done so many yo yo dieting, like most of us have, for every 10 kilos, she lost, you gained another 10 and I was unhealthy. I wasn’t able to do the things that I wanted to do with the kids and travel and all sorts of things. And, I think, you know, we had a look at weight loss solutions and kind of thought let’s go and have a little sticky beak at this and change my life. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: It was a really big decision, 2002 was really still at the infancy of bariatric surgery. And in that era, it was still considered taboo by a lot of GP’s. So for you to make that choice back then, was very, very different from patients exploring this now. No, if I think to today, these days, everybody knows someone who’s been there done that. In 2002, you were making a step forward in this world that very few people were doing.
Trish Bridgemand: And you know, there’d be that time where you didn’t want to tell people, but then I became quite proud. The fact that I’ve done something to change my life for the better. And so that was a step forward for me. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: What were some of the things that were inhibiting you to really live the life that you wanted back in 2002?
Trish Bridgemand: The weight that you’re carrying, you know. You can’t run around with the kids. The kids were in pony club. It was lots of things that I just couldn’t do. Walking was a no, no, you know, all the negative things are that because you’ve got weight on you want to exercise, but because you’ve got weight on, you often can’t exercise or you’re embarrassed to go to a gym or do any of those things. Well all of that change, you know, it’s deep water running six days a week after it.
And I had a personal trainer, you know, I got really into the fitness side of things, you know. And we got to travel and do things that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do. So that side of it was great. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: When you first started exploring surgery, what was your vision for like, for your future life then? And then if you can tell us a little bit about, is that where you’d thought you’d be like today 17 years later.
Trish Bridgemand: Look, I didn’t know. You know, you go into that with an open mind, which I did, and I knew I would lose some weight, whether I was going to keep it off or whether it’s another story, but, you know, I have been able to do that.
So I guess looking back now, I wouldn’t change anything. You know, there’s positives and pluses in it, everything. But for me, this was to start a new life, you know, I’ve turned 50, you know, I’ve sort of over those days in a, having been a child of being very thin, as a child and growing up. But after I’d had three children kind of went downhill after that, you know, I just gained a little bit of weight each time, each time, each time, and I just really struggled to get it off. So this was a tool for me, to help me move on and have a very enjoyable life. You know?
Felicity Cohen: So thinking back to your youth, I think you did some modeling?
Trish Bridgemand: I did, yep. So it was catwalk modeling. And I can remember to this day that my ribs, my hipbones, used to stick out and one of the things they asked me to eat was grapes. Cause they were healthy, but they were a thing that could help put a little bit of weight back on. And I looked back now and think, oh they knew! Yeah, doing modeling, you know, I love, I love being in front of people, you know, that’s, that’s a real plus with all my jobs that I’ve had.
It’s always been with people, and having lost that weight gives you that more confidence. And I was a confident person anyway, but you know, you couldn’t go to the gyms and you couldn’t get out in a swimming costume and you didn’t feel comfortable, you know? So that’s just the way it was for me.
Felicity Cohen: What were some of the things that you think led to your weight gain in the first instance?
Trish Bridgemand: Probably children. We lived in Sydney with my mum and not with them, but you know, parents were down there. We moved up here when my youngest was only eight months old, and my mum was diagnosed with cancer, and there was a terrible lot of stress. And then my mother in law was diagnosed with cancer.
So within a few months of each other, they both passed. Most people under stress tend to lose weight. For me, my body sort of said, hang on to it. And that’s what happened. So we were in not a foreign land, but Queensland was the long way home away from family and friends. And I found the stress is what you know, I just couldn’t.
I don’t know whether I just went to comfort foods but I did gain weight and I don’t know whether it was, you know, metabolic wall type of thing. That’s not the right word.
Felicity Cohen: Metabolic
Trish Bridgemand: Thank you. I don’t know whether that’s what caused it, but certainly, stress with having lost a whole lot of family members, you know, I’d lost my brother and then my other brother and my father. So in a space of 10 years, I’d lost my whole family. And I think that was a big thing towards the weight gain. And I needed a tool because I wasn’t happy in myself. And, you know, this was the tool that I went for.
Felicity Cohen: How old were your kids when you had your surgery?
Trish Bridgemand: Oh gosh, let me think, how long ago? 2002? 17 years. Well, my oldest is nearly 40, my middle one’s 35 and 33. So yeah, they were sort of, 17 was the youngest one. 17, 18/19, 20 and 23, something like that. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: So I guess you’d probably want it to be, you know, the role model that you’d always want it to be for your girls. A family of women.
Trish Bridgemand: Yeah, that’s right. I mean, you know, we all want to be out there and playing with the kid. Not playing as in, they are not little babies, but previous to that, you know, I couldn’t do a lot of the things that other moms were doing, you know, I’d stand on the sideline and then yell at them, but I couldn’t run up the sideline with them, you know?
So the benefits of that has changed my life, you know, and I’m very sort of active now, you know, sort of very hands on with the grandchildren. Cause I keep me busy. So yeah.
Felicity Cohen: Career. What has changed for you over the last 17 years in terms of your career pathway, did you notice that you were more confident, capable of going for different jobs, post weight loss?
Tell us about your career transformation.
Trish Bridgemand: Look, I’ve never ever had a problem getting a job. I have a personality that, stands out above other people quite often. But my last job that I got, you know, I’ve been there for five years and I’ve just retired from. I was 60 when I, when I went for that position and I got it and I was really surprised.
And it was because, you know, I was a lot slimmer, much more confident in myself. I loved speaking with people. That’s my biggest thing. You know, I’m a great communicator and it was a great reception job. It was something I hadn’t done for a long time. You know, previous to that for 20 years, I’d been merchandising and with many big companies, I think last time I spoke to you, I was with Mondelez, which was Cadbury.
And that kept me fit. I’d never been able to do those sorts of things, you know, the building of displays, and in and out of the cars and the shopping centers, you know? So I’ve always been a little bit on the fitter side, but you know, the weight is what held you back all the time, you know? So yeah, that’s my life.
Felicity Cohen: So let’s talk about your fitness change in, what’s happened to you, you know, over that time. And I think one of my greatest fondest memories that really links me back to you. You know, for me, the connectedness that you had with all of us at the clinic was really special. And it taught me a lot about community and about how important, it was for us to provide that network of support around our patients.
And that comes and evolves from our patient interactions and experiences. And you were such a big part of that. So when I think back to one of my first major milestones and memories of things that we did together, we got involved in doing the Noosa triathlon together as teams. And you were about to turn, oh it gives me shivers, you’re about to turn 53 years of age.
And at the age of 53, you decided to take on running 10 kilometers at the Noosa triathlon as part of a team. Can we talk about that experience? You know, what did the training look like? What did the event look like? Let’s just dive into that for a moment.
Trish Bridgemand: I mean, it was pretty daunting. cause I wasn’t, even though I said I, I was fit, not in that sense, you know, it was, you know, fit after being able to, you know, go to the gym and do things like that. But you guys were fantastic because we had access to personal trainers and gym and, you know, I’d made my mind up that I was going to do this, and I had a great family support. The girls and Ron were so much behind it. It was fantastic as well as you guys, as you know, and it was just, I thought every time I run, I think, oh, I don’t know if you’re gonna be able to do this.
I’m never going to be able to do this, you know? But we persevered and we just kept training and training and training and I’ll never forget. the warming up area, you know, you’re sort of waiting, you know, I had never run through sand before. I’ll never forget that. And that was their first thing. And before you get onto the road side you had that sand to run through, I was like, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize it was sandy!”, you know, and I got through that. And then I heard someone in the crowd yell out, “Go Trish”. And it was a girlfriend of mine whose husband was also participating, and I didn’t even, we, neither of us knew that we were going to be there.
So that was really exciting to, to go through that. And I had, you know, one of the doctors running with me, which was, great support, it was fantastic. And when we got back to that finish line, you know, it was just, awesome, is the best word. It was just such an awesome experience to be able to say, I did it.
Felicity Cohen: 10 kilometers is a long way. You know, that sense of satisfaction you’re in Noosa, it’s hot as hell. You know, it was a really hot day. I remember how hot that was that particular year. And we had lots of patients and we had staff and we were all doing that together with a common goal. And that was really spectacular, I think.
Trish Bridgemand: Look it’s something that will never be erased from your memory you know, it was just so exciting, as you said, that finish line and everyone was there. And, and then I remember, you know, getting in the pool after it and saying, you know, walk it, walk, walk. So I walked through it, you know, so the stiffness didn’t come on. It was just all that support that was there, not just before, during, but also after it was fantastic, you know?
Felicity Cohen: So that was three years after your surgery. You’ve had your surgery. You’ve started to do really well, life’s looking good, you’ve done the Noosa triathlon. And then I also have this huge big memory, which was also something that I see as massive achievement in your life, and in your relationship with your husband, Ron, that you were traveling, and you got to go and experience walking part of the Great Wall of China. And If you think back to before your surgery, is that something you would ever have even thought about conquering?
Trish Bridgemand: No, not at all.
Felicity Cohen: So tell us all about the great wall of China.
Trish Bridgemand: Oh, look, that was a great, holiday. There was, we went with a composite group of people that was, part of Ron’s work, went out there for a fiberglass convention, and I wasn’t going, originally, you know, Ron was booked and going and also I’m not, I’m not doing it, you know, And then I kind of thought, you know, what I can do this now, you know, so I went with him and we had the best, I think we were there for two, two and a half weeks or something.
And, you know, when they said that we’re going to the great wall of China, I thought, okay. You know, and I sort of looked at him and thought. Okay. I can do this too. And we did, you know, we didn’t walk all the way obviously, or a lot of it, there was lots of stairs and I mean, I managed it without puffing and panting, like I would have normally.
And that, that was a pretty, that was another box ticked, you know, so that was really great. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: Amazing, and something you would never have even thought about doing beforehand.
Trish Bridgemand: No, no, no, not at all. No. I was “lay by the pool girl”. So, yeah. And we know we’ve just recently come back from Japan. So I was able to explore a lot of things there, you know, that, you know, would never have thought to do those things.
So, yeah. So we’ve got the travel bug and, and keen to, to do those things that years ago would never have been able to do.
Felicity Cohen: So travel’s become a lot easier?
Trish Bridgemand: Yep.
Felicity Cohen: And I, look for me, I’m talking to people a lot who were saying to me, “I just want to fly in an aircraft seat without, an economy, with an economy class, aircraft seat without an extension seatbelt.
So how does that flying and traveling and actually, you know, focusing on, I can actually do these things now.
Trish Bridgemand: I think the leg room to me is the biggest issue because I had weight on me. I had problems with my knees and was actually told I needed to have, surgery, you know, it’s sort of bone on bone. And having lost that weight has made a huge difference.
I’ve never had to have the surgery. I’m not saying that down the track, I will need to have it, but the weight was compounding the knees, it was just, and my back, you know, I’d had issues with my back. Once I’ve lost the weight and I’ve been able to keep it off and, you know, not exercise, I don’t go to a gym or anything like that, but just sort of trying to stay a little bit fit. That’s made a huge difference, you know, and I mean, if that’s one thing that you got out of it, it’s more than anything, you know, is that I didn’t need to have a knee surgery. You know, my back’s much better now I can do things, pick the kids up, you know, the little grandchildren. So yeah, my life has changed for the better. There’s no, I cannot ever look back and say, yeah, “Oh no, I wish I’d never had it done”, because I can never say that.
Felicity Cohen: That’s actually amazing. Imagine if you had to go through two knee replacements or back surgery, imagine if that had been the story, had you not gone through.
Trish Bridgemand: And that would have been the case. There’s no two ways about it. That would have been, carrying that extra weight, you know, it puts stress on all of your body, you know. And that’s why I liked did a lot of running, you know, I, I’m now retired, so I’m ready to go back to that. And I did that for a long time because there’s no stress on your body and it’s a great way to keep fit, you know? And if you are a larger person and you’re thinking about having this surgery, you know, get in the pool and do that because no one sees you or no one cares, you know, but I know in a gym sometimes you get there and you know, you see all those body beautiful. It, it’s intimidating, you know? So for me, that was a great way. And that’s what I did, you know, for training for the triathlon as well, as well as the personal training. So that was great. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: So let’s talk a little bit about the perception that other people have. I mean, obviously that’s confronting if you’re going to the gym and you’re worried about other people’s view of you as a larger person, that that’s a limiting factor in people actually exploring, getting fitter. What are some of the other things where you saw that perception of others as being a limiting issue for you? And let’s go back to 2002, when this was such a, I guess, an avant garde decision for you to make, you know, what was that public perception like? How do people see you as a bigger person?
Trish Bridgemand: Look. You know, the biggest problem was buying clothes. I mean, now I can walk into anywhere and I can buy off the rack, but most things stop at 18. And if you’re a 22, 24 and up, you can’t buy, or if you do, it’s a tent. They are horrible. And they don’t cater for the, for the large person. So for me, that was a big plus to be able to just walk in and buy something off the rack. But, you know, no matter if you went to a restaurant and you ate, you felt like all eyes were on, you. Because you’re the larger person, you know, and you’re not eating the salad. you know, you’re having a bowl of hot chips cause that’s what you did, you know? So my diet has completely changed now, which is fantastic. You know, I’m eating much healthier and enjoying the food. So that’s another plus for me. And I wouldn’t say it, I ate eat healthy before I just ate man size meals, whatever Ron ate, I ate. So if he was having a big steak, then I’d have the big steak. Whereas now it’s much smaller portions and enjoying the food a lot more. Chewing it, enjoying it, you know.
Felicity Cohen: I actually even remember in 2002, having a conversation with you about, you were matching the portion size that Ron was eating. And that, that was a problem. And so important to actually understand that how bariatric surgery works. And this is the same for any procedure. The first thing that it acts on is satiety helping you to feel satisfied on a smaller portion. And I think for so many patients that is one of their biggest problems that they still feel hungry. But also now for you making healthier food choices, you know, that’s obviously been a huge, big learning curve, change for you. Did it change the way you cooked at home for the family?
Trish Bridgemand: Absolutely. Absolutely. Like, you know, there was nothing deep fried anymore and you know, you didn’t buy takeouts and things like that. So yeah, for us, it was much healthier. Much much. I mean, you know, I, I love mashed potato and things like that. Well, we cut that kind of thing out. So yeah, our choices, are much healthier? And a lot of that was, you know, your dietician guiding us as well. And I remember we used to have those nights out where you put on the meals and all that yummy food, and you’d look at that. And you sort of learnt from that too. So you go home and try those little bits and pieces. So, yeah, and I still eat healthy today, you know, I’m happy to say, no, I enjoy salad.
Felicity Cohen: And you know, some of the best things about that is it’s not just you’re, you’re not the only one benefiting that the beneficiaries, you know, that extends to your whole family. And now I’m kind of also thinking about, okay, your kids were young, they were growing into young adults. When you had your surgery, they’re now adults and having their own families. They’ve got their own kids. So you’ve actually had this impact and that started to flow through more than one generation.
Trish Bridgemand: When I look at what they feed the grandchildren. And it absolutely amazes me at how healthy they are because you know, I’ve been, not in stone, but I have said to them, you know, start from the beginning, you know, don’t give them junk food and right away, you know, and it’s great because both the grandkids are very healthy eaters. You know, like my little grandson, the other day, I sat there and ate peas. He was just popping these peas in his mouth, you know, I said, that’s crazy, you know. And avocado, which we never had avocado from when we were kids, you know? So there are, they’ve learned to eat them up healthier lifestyle too. So that’s really good for them. And that sort of stemmed from watching me, you know, go down this path and, and watch me blossom.
Felicity Cohen: That is something to be so proud of the impact that you’ve had on the next two generations already. Now your grandchildren hopefully will have that impact on their own kids because they’re learning those habits now. And for me, this is a really important conversation to have that we’re creating something that’s going to impact the future generations, that our kids are learning better healthy habits. Now that they’re not going to be our patients of the future. And I love that you’ve been able to have that impact on your whole family.
Trish Bridgemand: No, that’s absolutely right. That’s exactly, you know, we have discussed it, you know, and if I see the girls eating rubbish, you know, okay. Oh, and you do it once in a while, you know? So they’re very conscious of what they eat too, because you know, they know what I’ve been through and I don’t want them to be, you know, Go through what I’ve had to go through, you know.
Felicity Cohen: Did you have any other health concerns at the time that you were having your surgery?
Trish Bridgemand: No. I mean, I had high blood pressure and that’s maintained with medication and it doesn’t change so that that’s all under control. My back issues were the, the main thing, I was very concerned about that because, you know, that’s your everything. So by having that, the, the surgery and the weight loss, that issue went away. So that’s fantastic. The knee issues gone away. So as far as my health goes now, you know, hardly ever go to the doctors, you know, it’s great.
Felicity Cohen: So initially you were probably uncomfortable to share with people around you that you’d had surgery. What does that conversation look like now with work colleagues, with family, with friends, how much more open are you to actually disclose that this is actually okay. And it’s something that I’ve chosen to do for my health and my future.
Trish Bridgemand: Yeah. Look at the new job, I hadn’t sort of spoken to anyone about it because they didn’t, you know, they didn’t sort of warrant it, but what, when I had the surgery, I was very open and I encouraged friends to have it done and you know, they’ve talked to other people and I know that, you know, down the line, there’s been quite a few friends that have had it done.
So I’m not ashamed of it in one little bit. I’m proud to say that, you know, I had it done in the early days and you know, it’s changed and it’s improvements every time you sort of turn around, there’s something new and exciting coming out. But I look to me, it’s one of those., it’s a personal choice.
It’s something you have to do, but I am more than happy to give my story and my advice on what’s, how it’s helped me to anyone else that you know, is thinking about having it done because to me it’s a step forward, not a step back that’s for sure. And it gives you a whole new life. That’s what life’s about. Isn’t it?
Felicity Cohen: Amazing. Amazing. Love it. So let’s just start talking about life with Ron. You’ve been married for how many years?
Trish Bridgemand: 46.
Felicity Cohen: 46 years. Congratulations. Tell us about some of the changes that are probably a little bit more intimate and personal to you in terms of how did that look for you? I mean, obviously you’ve had the travel experiences and your lifestyle together as changed. What about the personal relationship? How did, how was weight loss impacting that?
Trish Bridgemand: Look, I think, look, I think as we’ve gotten older, we’re much closer. I mean, I have friends that say, I’m so jealous of you guys, you know, like they’ve been through a divorce or separation or whatever. and you know, we still hold hands and we still do things.
Look, Ron is probably my greatest support, you know, like he was right behind me when I first had my surgery. Has been right behind me, for the Noosa triathlon, whatever I’ve wanted to do, he has behind me 100%. And, and honestly that makes a huge difference to your life too. you know. He was going to come today and he had some work to do at home. So I said, no, I can manage this on my own. But, look, we we’re, I guess an unusual couple because we are extremely happy, still very much in love, which is nice, after 46 years, the heart still skips a beat, but having his support all the way and not just with me, but with that, I’ve seen him with our girls and our grandchildren, you know, and he, he’s just a real treasure.
Felicity Cohen: Oh my goodness, it’s actually brought a tear to my eye now, that’s spectacular. And you know, so think about this positive impact on your personal and your marriage. You know, and it could have gone quite differently because if you, you were unhappy in yourself, your self esteem, wasn’t great. Life wasn’t where you really wanted it to be when you first had your surgery, but you’ve had this incredible, you know, relationship that’s evolved and probably gone in a different direction, post weight loss.
Trish Bridgemand: Look, he wouldn’t care what I look like. I know that, but it’s the things that we can do together now, but we weren’t able to do before. Well, I felt we couldn’t do before. And that is, you know, we love traveling now and we love spending time with the grandkids, you know. Just working around the house, you know, we’re into the cars still and the drag racing and all that, you know, so, you know, we do everything together and that’s a bonus and that’s the support that I have. And it’s wonderful. Congratulations. I think that’s just, yeah, I’m lucky to put up with a lot.
Felicity Cohen: So, okay. You’re now 66, 17 years ago, we first met. Now let’s talk about what does life look like? And this is a big thing to discuss, and it’s something that I talk to so many patients about when they’re first looking at surgery and so many people in their forties and fifties, they don’t think about functional fitness.
They don’t think about where am I going to be at? 76, 86 and beyond. so for me, the big thing is creating an opportunity where patients never going to end up in a nursing home. They’re never going to end up in the cardiologists rooms or the endocrinologists, sorry to all of those doctors out there, you know, where this is all about preventative health.
We want you, we want patients to live healthy, fulfilled, active lifestyles. So let’s look through the looking glass. What does that going to look like for you now? And how do you feel about your future?
Trish Bridgemand: Oh, look, I’m looking after my 90 year old next door neighbor at the moment. And I look at her and I think how wonderful she is, you know, and I’m thinking I’m going to be that when I’m 90. So, you know, I look at a happy, fulfilled long life, and I mean, weight, does shorten your life. There’s no two ways about that. We know that. So by able, by being able to lose the weight, maintain it as I had for 17 years, it’s a great future. You know, happy future with watching more grandchildren. I hope.
And Ron and I are living a very, relaxed lifestyle. That’s going to come. And they told me when I retired, I retired a month ago and I sort of feel like I haven’t slowed down at all. I’m still busier than ever. Yeah. And that’s what keeps you going? Keeps me young.
Felicity Cohen: So what’s the next trip for you and Ron?
Trish Bridgemand: We are off on a cruise in a couple of weeks, just a short one down to Sydney and then a couple of nights down there. And then, next year I’m looking at, the Greek Islands.
Felicity Cohen: Oh, wow. That sounds amazing.
Trish Bridgemand: That’s my plan, but sometimes I just do spur of the moment things. I would just go to Fiji, and book, Fiji and go.
Felicity Cohen: Wow. That’s so good. So let’s start talk about your top three takeaways. The top three things that you feel have most changed or been impacted in your life, post-surgery.
What would you say those top three things would be for you ?
Trish Bridgemand: As in what I shouldn’t eat? What I don’t eat,now?
Felicity Cohen: It could be food related. It could be lifestyle related. Just your top three.
Trish Bridgemand: Oh, gosh, well you have certainly caught me on the hop. Well, it’s really funny cause I love potato chips. Like, hot chips, I very rarely have them now. And even if I do, I only have few. It’s just quenches that, you know. What else? So many things. So that’s food related. I love it that I can, you know, when I’m outside with the kids and I’m running around after them, or I’m on the ground with them, the grandkids, and that, you know, that I can do that.
And, even Ron says, “how do you do that?”. How do you get down here and do that? So that’s, that’s probably the biggest thing. And, you know, I just really enjoy being with friends and family. So. You know, just being able to, we have great travel mates that we go away with quite a lot. And, you know, it’s just great to be able to walk along the beach with them wherever we are, whether it’s Fiji or Japan or wherever we’ve been. So yeah, they’re a really important part of my life as well. We have some really good close friends and that yeah, life’s good.
Felicity Cohen: So, if you could give advice to someone who was thinking about, you know, taking on board their wellness journey, and if that incorporated surgery, whatever that looks like, what would be the first thing that you would tell them about, you know, what they really should be doing about actively seeking out a healthy quality of life, you know, decision?
Trish Bridgemand: Look, have an open mind. Have an open mind, take all the information in. Absorb it. Think for yourself. Don’t think about what other people think, make the decision, for yourself, because it will be the right decision. You know, I honestly believe that if you are looking down this path, then you really need to come to your seminars because, you know, I know I went to so many of those. And it was, at those seminars that, you know, I’ve got lots of information and it was just, I’ve, you know, mind boggling some of it, but I took it home and, you know, we discussed it with everybody, kids and all, and that was the path we wanted to go down.
So I’m saying be open-minded and if this is what you want to do, then. Go for it. I’ve never looked back.
Felicity Cohen: I’m loving this conversation and I have to say, you know, your journey has literally, you know, for me, there are so many standout patients over the last 20 years, but yours is definitely one that stands out. It’s etched in my memory.
And you know, the memory of Noosa triathlon specifically will be one of the things,
Trish Bridgemand: Everytime that comes on, I think about it. Yeah.
Felicity Cohen: It’s just phenomenal. And I really think for me, in this journey, you know, looking back now over 20 years and starting this series of Wellness Warrior Podcasts that you absolutely epitomise the Wellness Warrior model.
I mean, seriously amazing. And it’s just fantastic to have witnessed your journey to have seen all of the incredible changes throughout 17 years. For me, the projection for your future’s just stunning and you’re going to have the best next 30 years, 40 years ahead of you. And I’m really looking forward to sharing and watching that with you and thank you so much for coming on, on my podcast. It’s been wonderful having you here.
Thanks so much.
Trish Bridgemand: Down memory lane. Thank you.
Felicity Cohen: Thanks.
Nutritionist & Dietitian
Meet our team
Chealse Hawk
Isabelle Cole
Joshua Chambers
