Linda B.

Obesity & Me

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

Mine has been a life long battle, starting when I had my tonsils out at 8 years old. I have never been able to stay on a diet going from one program to another, always failing.Its hard to believe I was an athlete when I was in school.When I was in my late 20's I had my first bout with depression and I have been dealing with this on and off since then, I am now 44. People would say I took after my Dad, eating the way he did. Well, unfortunately he developed heart problems and diabetes, something I was sure to inherit if I didn't take care of my weight problem now. In November 2002 my Dad passed away. The heart and diabetes is what caused his death.So, as you can see, I was desperate.I knew I didn't want to end up like him. He would say to me just before he died, " You need to get your health in order". I'm living by those words.

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

Not being able to sit on a plane without asking for an extension, those tight movie theater seats, being teased, do I have to go on?

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

My knees are actually hurting less and I'm starting to walk better. I have more energy! I know things are only going to get better!

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

I think I saw or heard about it on tv and thought it might be something that might work for me.

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

I was in Lenox Hill Hospital in NY from 4/26/04 to 4/29/04.My stay there was wonderful, the nurses were just the best, especially The nurse practitioner, Dara, who watched me like a hawk! She and all the nurses were just great! The care I recieved there was excellent!

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

Not really, other than my heart being a little fast but the "Team" knew what to do! As I said, they were the best!

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 think I was more nervous the 2 weeks before surgery than the day of. I couldn't believe how calm I was but Dr.Kurian and her staff of assistants knew how to keep me relaxed.

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

I haven't gone to any meetings as of yet but I keep in touch with about 4 others who had the surgery.I also enjoy visiting ObesityHelp.com regularly which is a big help! I believe a good support circle is important.

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

Actually, its 4 little scars which kind of blend in to my others from prior surgeries. They don'y look half bad!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just that the weight loss in the 4th week was a little slow but Dr.Kurian wants me to exercise more to enhance my weight loss. Nothing to worry about, I guess.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely! People are already noticing the weight loss, especially in my face, which is where I lose it first. I love it!
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Before & After
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before photo after photo

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