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Obesity & Me

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

I often felt like I couldnt control my wieght. I was frustrated with diets, and depressed that I had let myself go.

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

The worst thing about being overweight was the sense of confidence that I lost. When I looked in the mirror i no longer saw myself, and that really hurt! I felt like no one knew what I was going through!

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

i have ran this month, I havent done that in years. That was a wow moment for me! I really enjoy just being happy with myself! I love me!

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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from a family member. My intial reaction to it was that I would never be able to afford something like that! I was scared, worried about what others would say, and worried about supporting myself financially!

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

My advice to anyone looking for insurance approval is to stay on top of everything! make sure that you have all of the documentation that you will need. Remain patient, and pray!

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

I was in the hospital for two days. My stay was excellent. The staff at Vista hospital of Dallas, were well equiped to handle overweight pateints needs. The acomodations were great, and I really got the privacy that I needed. The were very nice to my friends and family members and even offered free meals to my entire family for the lenght of my stay! Great Hospital!

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

I was in surgery a long 4 hrs with no complications!

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 only had about two weeks from the day I got my surgery date til tje actual surgery so needless to say I had a mixture of emotions. I was elated, nervous, I questioned myself, I thought about what would happen if I didnt make. I was really all over the place. The only thing that kept me sane was knowing that God hadn't brought me this far to leave. I just had to have faith, and enjoy the blessing that I had been given!

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

The first few weeks after surgery was rough. Everything is sore and its like you're starting all over. You still have your staples and pain pump in so you have to be very careful. The best advice I can give is to take your time and do what you can.. Walk walk walk!!!

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

I have a huge family support system. My family has never left my side. I have a wonderful fiance', and my family here at OH (www.obesityhelp.com) the best support I could ever ask for!

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

My surgery was a revision so i already had previous incision so most of those were re-used and actually healed better this time around!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Im still losing really well, but again I'm just one month out... Its great!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have only lost 45lbs so far yet the response i get now from people I have known for years is priceless! LOL.. people have no idea, they think Im sick or dieting... its so funny, and ladies let me tell you its amazing what 45lbs will do.. Man are all over me which is hilarious.. my fiance' hates that part! LOL
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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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