SugaSweet

Obesity & Me

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

Where to begin? I tried losing weight for years but I was an emotional eater. Any time something was going on I would gain any weight I had lost back and then some. I was depressed because I was fat and I would eat because I was depressed. In the last few years I began to notice that food did not fill the void as it once did. I still felt empty inside.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is the way people look at you. The way they sterio type you.

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 walking more. It's a lot easier now. I like to walk my son to school and before I drove him everyday. I enjoy food now in a different way. I don't eat out of depression any more. I eat because I need the nourishment and it's a healthy, better way.

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

I began hearing more and more about bariatric surgery in the last few years. I always thought that it was something I was willing to do but it was beyond my means and I thought that Medi-cal would never pay for such a surgery. Then I heard about this lady who took the county to court because they denied her request for the surgery. She won. She opened the gates for people like me. I don't even know her name but I will forever be grateful to her.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I stayed in the hospital for 4 days. My stay was very boring so bring lots of books and maybe some music.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I had no complications from surgery.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

When I got my surgery date I was excited. I was nervous but I felt that I finally had hope. Someone was finally going to help me.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

For my aftercare I see all my doctors when I'm scheduled to and as far as support goes, I have my family who are all very supportive, understanding, and helpful.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have 6 small scars. I have had about 6 surgeries in the last few years from a lypoma removed from my leg to a bi-lateral mastectomy so my 6 little scars from my bariatric surgery are the smallest and least noticeable. I thought they would be bigger.
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