Life after Gastric Bypass

Life-After-Gastric-Bypass-MR
Picture of Mike Robertson
Mike Robertson
Mike is the father of three daughters and is a member of The Salvation Army Oshawa Temple Corps. He is a Police Constable with the Toronto Police Service , currently working in uniform serving Scarborough. In his spare time Mike enjoys camping and canoeing in God's great outdoors.

It’s more than 10 years ago now, on October 19, 2006, that I was in New York City having gastric bypass surgery. I’m not boasting, but remembering and being grateful for so many amazing blessings that I have experienced.

grateful for so many amazing blessings that I have experienced. Share on X

At the time I tipped the scales at 310 pounds. Just to give some perspective― I am 5’3 (63 inches) and had a 60-inch waist. So I was 3″ taller than I was round. I don’t state this as a proud moment in my life, but a truthful one.

The reason I decided to have this surgery was at the time I had two very young daughters. I knew I wouldn’t be around if I didn’t lose weight. I wanted to give them so much. Now that I have three daughters, I need the energy just to keep up. And what I am really grateful for is that my family has a dad who can be and do more than I ever could before…and THAT is awesome!!!

At the time I tipped the scales at 310 pounds Share on X

I want to straight up encourage someone that dreams, passions and most importantly FAITH can, and will, take you anywhere you want to go. Today I’m a member of the Toronto Police Service. What a privilege to serve my community in this way. I love my family in blue and they have been a wonderful encouragement.

After the surgery I went from 310 to 155 in six months. I lost fat and muscle. Have I gained weight back? Yes. It is natural and I am happy where I am. I am comfortable in my body. People do mention to me that I should be careful because I’m putting the weight back on. I understand their concern, but please trust me…I am fully aware!!!

I have said it before, and will say it again that I am blown away by, and need to thank, my family (blood and church). They have supported me every step and I am forever grateful.

I am also in awe of my Heavenly Father’s limitless love and grace towards me. I do not know why He has blessed me with this second chance, but I hope I have been using it to glorify Him.

As I start my second decade, I know I still have much work to do. This is a continuous journey, but I am still up for the challenge!!!
And for anyone who is struggling, there is hope. Always hope!!!

And for anyone who is struggling, there is hope. Always hope!!! Share on X

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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.