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Obesity & Me

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

Food was my friend, favorite past time and enemy. I've battled my weight all my life.

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

I was hurt one day to see another child tease my son about my weight. He's always had the biggest heart and is a mama's boy true to form. He wanted me to walk him to class one morning. As I watched him go to his seat a kid blurted out "How can you be so skinny and have a fat mama!" The classroom of fouth graders roared with laughter. My son turned around to see my reaction and evidently saw the look on my face. Before I knew it he punched the boy in the mouth. As a result he was suspended for the 3 days following. Later that day I asked if he was embarassed by me. His response was no-he just doesn't like when others talk about me. Hearing that made me feel better but I was still saddened and felt that I was a source of embarrassment for him.

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 enjoy my new found confidence. People in general are able to sense my happiness with myself as well. I live to shop and I'm always on the go with my son. I enjoy being able to keep up with him and no longer feel like I'm slowing him down.

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

For a lot of people this surgery can become a new lease on life. I have not had it yet but I'm looking forward to a new me.

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

The first visit with my surgeon was very informative. He was eager to answer all questions. To get most out of the meeting I would suggest that some fully research all types covered under their individual plans. I would suggest that one considering surgery should also write down any questions and concrens so that you don't forget anything during the consultation.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

For me it was time for a change. My mom is battling multiple weight related issues. Most recently my older sister (she's 36, I'm 31) was recently told that she now has sleep apnea and she already has diabetes. Even though I've been deemed as a good candidate, I have no comorbilities related to my weight. I feel the need to take all necessary steps so that I don't. Maybe my success will act as motivation for them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My policy covers lapband and gastric bypass. I ruled lapband out because I'm not really keen on having the surgical appliance for the rest of my life.

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 have my fears. I decided that at this point I have more to gain by having the surgery than not. Good and bad is a way of life. My surgery my carry it's complications-so will staying overweight.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My mom isn't really all that supportive of my decision, my closest friends are. This is still something I feel the need to do for myself.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was happy to atten my information seminar. The nurse was very familiar with all of the procedures available.
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