Shannon M.

  • BMI 34.7

Obesity & Me

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

I have been overweight since before high school. I teached my highest weight at 285 in 2003. I was having knee problems, back problems and basically just was not satisfied with myself. I didn't have any major health problems like sleep apnea or diabetes. I was overall healthy except for my weight. I wasn't depressed or anything like that because I told myself that if you didn't like the way I looked that people could just turn away. My husband had the WLS in 2002 and has lost 215 pounds. He has done really great. He loved me for me. He didn't care what I weighed. But I did. My mom was laid off from her job of 23 years and starting keeping my daughter while I worked. I never realized what kind of shape my mom was in physically until she was laid off. I knew she was a diabetic, but I guess I never really realized how bad of a diabetic she was. Anyway, mom took a turn for some very bad health problems. Her diabetes was uncontrollably getting out of hand. Her legs would swell up for no reason. She developed bloodclots which made the swelling worse. While I was struggling considering having this surgery, I was having knee problems and seen a orthopaedic surgeon. I was set up for a scope of my knee. My Dr. told me that if I didn't do something about my weight, that I would eventually have to undergo a total knee replacement. That hit me very hard. I realized that I had to do something. I also realized that if I didn't do something now while I was young, that I was headed downt the same road my mom is on. I didn't like that road at all. I seen my mom suffer and I didn't want my daughter to have to watch me suffer. So, I decided to take the plunge and check into surgery for myself.

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

The worst thing about being overweight was the lack of pretty clothes that you couldn't find without paying a pretty price. The lack of breath I had climbing a small flight of stairs. My knee constantly bothering me. The looks and opnions never bothered me of other people because nooone could believe that I weighed as much as I did. I knew it though and felt it everyday.

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

Buying clothes off the misses rack in the stores. That was so weird feeling. I am able to better deal with playing with my daughter without giving out as quickly.

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

My husband approached me about this surgery in 2001. He was 430 pounds and his boss approached him about a weight losss clinic in the Carolinas. He then realized he was overweight and decided to check into the surgery. We talked to lots of people and finally decided on a physician for him.

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

The stay in the hospital was great. The staff was very nice. They didn't make you feel bad for being there. Yoiu were on a floor that had nothing but WLS patients. You were able to encourage the other patients as you were doing your walking up and down the halls. It made for a very nice visit as far as hospital visits go.

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

No, everything went fine. The only slight problem I had was the nausea. I dry heaved several times after coming back from walking, and the nurses gave me medicine for that. Once that kicked in along with some pain meds, it was smooth sailing.

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

I was nervous but excited. I prayed so very hard. I knew that God was with me and my family. I know that I wouldn't have done as well as I have if it wasn't for my extended church family and the Good Lord.

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

My husband is my support. Along with my family.

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

I had lap WLS. I have 6 very tiny scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit several plateaus. I have offically lost 58 pounds. However, getting here wasn't the fun part. I would lose and stop for approximately a week and the BAM! I would drop 5 or so pounds. Right now, as of May 18, I am at 58 pounds which has been for 1 1/2 weeks so far. But hey, I am not complaining!!! I feel great and look great!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I really haven't thought about it much.
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