jowenm

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been considered 'fat' my whole life. My first diet that I recall was in the 4th grade, and all I remember was eating grapefruits alot, now I hate them. The amazing thing is , in college I weighed 180 (I am 5'11") and my target now is 160- so I was 20 lbs overweight and I thought I was hideously overweight!!!

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

The effect on my health, joints, sleep apnea, not feeling attractive.

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

Feel attractive again, can keep up with my dog, shop for clothes..

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

Around 2002- when all the celebritites were having it. I thought it was a great idea, but needed to make sure it was for me.

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

My surgeons office only had to appeal once. But I followed all their requirements which included a 12 month medically supervised diet. Most insurances requiire this- so if youre thinking of doing this surgery- get this out of the way. Start now. I was torn between Lap Band and RNY - I knew my insurance would never approve the Lb- but my doc said - if you want it we'll fight for it. After much thinking- I went with RNY- it just seemed more permenent to me.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I did not tell my employer. I was given 6 weeks of Short Term Disability. I feel good enough now after 3- but hey I am sure I could use the next 3 weeks to get into my routine better.
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