Arlene E.

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Obesity & Me

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

Like most of us, I spent years yo yo dieting. The first time I went to Weight Watchers I wasn't even that overweight, maybe 15 pounds. As the years went on I gained, lost, and each time I gained more than what I had lost. Being the child of an obese mother, my greatest fear was to weigh as much as her. Well by age 54 I had surpassed her weight, and wore 3x's. A friend of mine mentioned Bariatric surgery and next thing I knew I was consulting with Dr. Marymor. Even though I had to have open RNY I totally trusted him and could not wait to begin life after RNY.

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

This is difficult because I can name so many things, but I guess the worst was feeling like I always was the fattest person in the room, but having to act like I was a "normal" size. I was lucky that I had not developed serious health problems, but carrying around over 100 extra pounds was physically and emotionally exhausting.

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

I actually enjoy going to the gym and being able to participate in many classes and keep up with the instructor. I stand near the front of the room - no hiding. Now that I am retired I travel frequently and the feeling of fitting in a seat and not having my fat hang over onto someone else's seat is a joy! Of course being able to buy size 10's or 12's is much more enjoyable that buying 3Xs.

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

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