I have never been a fitness type. But surgery is not a shortcut, as many people claim

We caught up by phone on the way from Ozimek near Opole. Kinga has been constantly on tour lately. He has a series of meetings with students from schools all over Poland. Recently she was in Legnica, at the invitation of the city’s mayor. She gave lectures in 24 educational institutions. Among other things, what cyberbullying looks like and how inconspicuous but misleading filters on Instagram can make us feel.

Kinga Zawodnik talks to teenagers and young adults about hate – how to defend against it, how to react and how not to become a hater yourself. About tolerance, about accepting differences. This is a nationwide project intended for primary and secondary school students. He has too many experiences of his own. Both before and after her stomach reduction – which she underwent a few months ago – she sometimes hears or reads disgusting comments. Previously, she fought the disease using traditional methods – she used various types of diets, training and exercises.

With a disease, because obesity – which many people may still not realize – is a disease. Such as depression. And pseudo-advice like “go for a run, I don’t know, take a walk, start moving, keep your head up” should – to put it mildly – be put aside as fairy tales.

As we can learn from specialist sources, obesity is a chronic disease with a very complex etiology. It does not go away on its own and has a tendency to recur. Moreover, it is still difficult for modern medicine to clearly determine the full causes of its development. Of course, the risk of obesity is influenced by, among others: our lifestyle – which includes, among others, diet and level of physical activity. But this is only one aspect.

However, the range of factors contributing to the development of obesity is much broader. Moreover, these are factors beyond our control. For example, genetics, hormonal disorders and psychological factors. That is why it is so important to use appropriate language when talking about obesity – to prevent its stereotyping.

Kinga Zawodnik about life after gastric bypass surgery. “Many people think it’s a shortcut for the lazy.”

This psychological factor is extremely important. – The worst thing is that many people think that my bariatric surgery is a shortcut, that it is for lazy people – Kinga Zawodnik tells us. The TVN presenter and star of the “Diet or Miracle” program, only after years of unsuccessful attempts to fight the disease, did she decide to use this method of treatment – which is invasive and has an impact on the body.

– It took me over 2 years to make this decision. I was already scheduled for a consultation once, but I didn’t go, I just ran away. Perhaps I wasn’t ready for this step yet. And this time it went somehow quickly. I tell myself: ‘I’ll call and see – I’ll probably have to wait a long time for an appointment anyway, so there’ll still be time to think about it.’ And the lady on the phone: ‘It’s a good thing, because one patient canceled her appointment, so I’ll call you tomorrow at 5 p.m.’ The time for reflection was reduced to a minimum. Kinga thought that maybe this was some kind of sign, the last moment? And she made a decision.

But let’s get back to the psychological aspect.

Many people think that you eat junk food and that’s it, you venture out on your own will. These are very hurtful comments. Therefore, people suffering from a disease against which they are helpless must overcome it within themselves and understand that it is simply one of the most effective methods of treatment. The worst thing is the pressure from society, some of which have already labeled this operation as a solution for lazy people. This is very difficult

– says Kinga.

Gastric bypass surgery means “learning your body again”

Moreover, the changes occurring in our body after surgery are a colossal challenge that must be met.

A very difficult moment for me was changing my body. We are constantly losing weight, so the clothes we used to wear become bigger and bigger, and finally too big. Size is decreasing. This is also important, because suddenly you go from size 58 to 52 or 50. It’s a shock – for us, for our body. This is learning your body again

Losing nearly 40 kg in less than half a year is a lot. Kinga developed eating problems. – I feel much better after the surgery, but recently I have noticed that there is a problem with eating. Because I eat very small portions and I should eat more. I eat less than I should, although I stick to 5 meals a day every 3 hours.

In fact, I eat everything. Most of my meals are vegetables, and I also eat more fruit. I choose protein products. I also eat a lot of meat to gain strength and provide protein to my body. I noticed that I feel very bad after eating, for example, onions and bread. I don’t feel any pain, but I’m tired and lethargic. My physical activity is also greater than before the surgery. This also affects weight. I even got a little scared recently. I came back from a big project, I weighed myself – and I lost five kilos in two weeks. Of course, I am constantly under the care of specialists and everyone reassures me that this is what it looks like at the beginning. Especially since I have a lot of movement and activity

– explain. – I lost less than 40 kilograms – the scale shows 38 kilograms – in 5 months – she notes.

Kinga Zawodnik: “I have never been a fitness type”

He adds that he is currently observing his body and its reactions to various products consumed and various types of physical activity performed. He emphasizes that being mindful of the body’s needs is extremely important in this aspect. – I don’t want to go from one extreme to another: I used to overeat, and now I will deny myself everything. Just do it in moderation, step by step, slowly…

I don’t hide the fact that I have never been a fitness person, I didn’t eat healthy all the time, etc. I’m not ashamed of it and I talk about it loudly. But there comes a point when these non-surgical obesity treatments fail for various reasons and that’s when you have to take that final step

– says our interlocutor.

Kinga Zawodnik shows the highlights and shadows after surgery. “I’m talking about shortcomings”

And he assures that he receives a lot of support from fans. Especially since she clearly shows what her body looks like after the procedure and what such surgery involves. – Women and men share their stories with me, seek support, help and answers from me. Unfortunately, bariatric surgery is still a taboo in Poland. People are afraid to talk about it. Most don’t even know how to start, so they write to me.

I have no problem showing what my scars look like, what my belly looks like. I talk about my shortcomings

Some people, despite everything, accused her of talking about the operation in only superlatives. – Which is not true. I admit that I have problems with eating. I was afraid of this rapid weight loss, my hair started falling out. I showed photos and talked about it. There were moments when I couldn’t make certain movements, e.g. turn my head quickly. I’m not hiding anything. They show both sides and people are interested in it – says Kinga Zawodnik.

“I feel that with my story I can save many lives and help many people”

But superlatives are important. Even if they are initially hidden behind negatives. – The operation also showed me who was who among my friends. All because it simply ‘excluded’ me from trips and public life for some time. When I earned money, there was money, there were trips, I had a circle of people around me. And when I was undergoing treatment and needed support, help, sometimes even just a kind word would be enough – there was no one. And I was left alone with everything. And now, when I return to normality, these friends magically start to appear again. Because they see that “something is happening,” he says.

I announced that I’m releasing my next single. And it’s like ‘Kinga is cool again’

What’s new? We know that Kinga Zawodnik was offered to star in the series. However, he cannot reveal details. However, he is fulfilling his musical dreams, and with great success! – You could say that after the surgery, my vocals have definitely improved and everyone I work with can see it. After all, I exercise a lot and I get tired quite quickly because this diaphragm does not yet work as it should. But the sounds are better, cleaner than before, he notes.

The surgery and recovery time also strengthened her bond with her mother and siblings. – I also don’t forget about my fans. I also get a lot of support from them, they are with me through good and bad. This gives me power. These are the positive aspects. I feel that with my story I can save many lives and help many people – sums up Kinga Zawodnik.