Melissa M.

Obesity & Me

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

I was an absolute mess before I had bariatric surgery. I couldn't do anything physical without pain of some sort, I had gestational diabetes and pre eclampsia with the pregnancy of my son. I had high enough blood pressure at age 27 that I was on blood pressure medicine. I couldn't lay down without feeling out of breath and started having bouts of Sleep Apnea. I was depressed and a shut in. I didn't work because I needed to be home for my son, but wouldn't be able to play with him or take him to the park because the movement was just too hard. I had tried close to every diet out there...even going as far as nutrisystem and weightloss camp for a summer. I was on drugs for panic attacks and agoraphobia (fear of open usually busy places) and was an all around miserable, depressed person.

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

How angry you get at yourself for not being able to control yourself. Kids and people in general being scared of you or making fun of you because of your large size.

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

Play with my son, work, be class mom, dance, walk, live in general. It was the best decision I have ever made apart from marrying my husband and having my son!!!

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

My general doctor mentioned it and I did the research into it. It was right around the time that Carne Wilson put out her book about having her WLS.

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

I was in NYU for 5 days and to be honest...it wasn't that bad. There was a really excellent nurse on my floor/wing and she really took great care of me and got me up and moving quickly after the surgery. The most important things to bring to the hospital is your own pair of loose and comfortable pajamas, deoderant (as you wont shower...just have sponge baths for the first 3-4 days) and a pillow for the drive home to lay on your tummy for when you hit bumps and feel like your belly is falling off.

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

I had gall bladder problems (had it removed about 3 months after the WLS surgery), an anal fissure (due to the loose bowel movements - had surgery after 6 months of excruciating pain) and lots of loose skin.

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

Excited and nervous. I had anxiety, but once I put my mind to something...I go through with it.

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

I don't have any support group or program that I attend or follow. With the support of family, friends and a social worker I have managed to adjust pretty well to the new lifestyle pretty well.

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

Very small and very light. They faded soooo much. I expected them to be so much worse!! Laproscopic is AMAZING!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had the worst plateu. It lasted for about 2 months...I was miserable...but once it started to come off again I was happy again. I was scared it would last forever...that I wouldn't lose any more weight, but I did and have been happy ever since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

HELL YES!!! A world of difference. I am considered "normal" now. No more evil stares...men look me in the eye...I get helped in the store...not ignored or treated badly. I can't even sum up the difference in treatment only to say...NIGHT AND DAY!!
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Before & After
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before photo after photo

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

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