labellavita1982

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Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

I had a love/hate relationship with food. Sometimes I would eat everything I could, even if I was full. Then there were days where I barely ate because the thought of eating and gaining more weight scared me. It has always been like that with me.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

People staring at you and making rude comments. Not being able to find clothes that fit me right. The medical conditions. The way people treated you because you are overweight.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Being able to play with my son without getting tired. I feel like I have my life back now.

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I was working with the elderly and we had a resident in the home that had gastric bypass surgery and she had horrible results to it. I first thought that it would be something I would never do because I wouldn't these horrible things to happen to me.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

At first, I was denied to have my surgery. I was told that my medical conditons are controlled and in order to be approved, they need to be uncontrolled for 3 months. Well I Was on medication for them so of course they are controlled. I appealed the decision and within a month, i got my denial reverased and it was approved. My advice to anyone in this stage is don't give up. Keep appealing.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit with my surgeon was very nice. He really answered all of my questions and gave me the risks and benefits. I was happy I choose him as my surgeon. I felt like I was in good hands with him. When you have your first meeting with your surgeon, make sure you ask questions. It will really put your mind at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My son. I am a single mother. i didn't want to die young and leave him with no one to really raise him. My health was getting bad too so I knew I had to do something about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first, I wanted to get the lap band done, but my surgeon quickly squashed it. He told me that my best bet to be able to lose the weight I needed to lose to be healthy was to go the gastric bypass route.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was scared of dying during surgery or afterwards. They made me feel better. I would just let people know how you are feeling and they will be able to relax you and calm your fears.
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