Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I did a ton of research before I decided to have the surgery. It took me 4 years to decide that it was the right thing to do. At first I was shy about telling even family that I wanted to do it. Eventually when I realized that everyone in my life was going to support me, I felt much better and am now not afraid to let people know that I had it. I had to take a 6 week class provided by my insurance in order to go through with the surgery. It really prepared me for what was to come.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
The worst thing about being overweight was that I couldn't really do anything. I always thought I was too big. I couldn't fit in the chairs at concerts or sporting events, I could barely walk. I hated the way I looked, so I would hide it. I had to buy clothes off the internet because I couldn't just go into a store and buy off the rack. I remember one of my most embarrassing moments was when I was about 14. My family went to 6 Flags and My sister-in-law, my dad and I were going to get on one of the rides. I ended up not being able to because I was too big and the safety lock wouldn't close around my shoulders and waist. I work retail and it was hard to be on my feet for 6-8 hours with only 3 breaks when I got to sit down.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
Since I've had the surgery, I've lost 140 pounds and counting. I can now go into a store and buy clothes off the rack, I don't need a seatbelt extension when I fly, and I can walk again. I walk to work everyday. I feel happier and healthier than I have in along time. I know I still have a ways to go to get to where I want. But I'm able to do things like go to concerts and not worry about the person next to me and If I'm crowding their space. I can fit in the seats. I've also been finding bones that I've never been able to see or feel. It's been an awesome experience and each time I have to buy more clothes because the old ones are too big, I feel a sense of relief. I'm no longer the biggest person in my family and I love being outdoors and doing stuff again.
tamijh
