sheilapinkney

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Obesity & Me

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

I was never overweight until after I had my daughter at the age of 20. And because of the circumstanes surrounding her birth with the biological father, I went into a deep depression. I began to eat. I steadily gained weight. I was so unhappy with myself and my life. Then I jumped into an unhealthy marriage, but things just got worse. I got to the point I just wished I would be hit by a truck and smash me into smitherings. Once I was divorced, I started going to university and via the internet I met my 2nd husband. Things were starting to look up. I packed up my life and daugther and we moved to Canada. However, I had never dealt with the depression. And as teenagers do, we had lots of problems with my daughter. And my weight steadily climbed higher and higher. I felt completely helpless to stop it. Then I learned about the WLS, and began to work towards getting ready for it.

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

It was the looks people gave you or the stupid comments like "You would be such a pretty girl if you lost your weight". I hated having people watch what I ate and judge me. And then it was the self deprivation I did to myself. I hated the mirror. I hated my picture taken. I hated my body and I hated myself. Those were the worst things I had to work 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?

Now that I have had VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy), my life has changed. Recently, I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic, and I went Zipling. 600 feet above the valley floor I went zipping down the mountain. I never ever ever would have done that a year before. I would be so scared I would break the line or the harness would not fit me. I also enjoy shopping where as before I hated it. I hated having to go into the "Large Woman" sections and find clothes. Usually clothes that made me look way older than I am. I also enjoy walking about being outdoors. I love hiking but it was so hard when I was at my highest weight because I would get so winded and tired I couldn't go far. I am so looking forward to the summer this year so we can be out more and enjoy life as it should be enjoyed.

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

I have known for along time about bariatric surgery. But it went by the name of Stomache Stapling. It was sort of frowned upon back in the day. Now it is much more main stream and looked at as a tool to help you reach a more healthy way of living your life.

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

I live in Canada, so I have not had to go through a huge insurance hoop. My surgery will be paid for by the province I live in. I do have to follow the program to prove I will have the best success once surgery is done. My advice is to stick with it. It seems like it is a HUGE pain and it takes forever, but if this is what is asked of you to live longer and more healthy, it is all worth it.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit was on November 30, 2010 with Dr. Lawrence Farries of Red Deer Alberta. I was very excited to get started and was willing to do whatever it took to move forward. I walked into the office determined to have LapBand surgery, but walked out having changed my mind completely and now I am in the process of having Vertical Gastric Sleeve. Everyone in the office was very nice, informative, and professional. All my questions were answered and I left feeling very excited and prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have been obese all my adult life. I have tried many different diets but never any that were like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. because I always felt that they were a waste of money because as soon as you stop going, you gain all your weight back plus more. So I have been trying different ways to lose. I have exercised, I have cut different foods out of my diet, I have slashed my portion sizes, nothing ever lasted. I decided I needed a tool that would help me stay the course, lose the weight and be able to keep it off.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As I said above, I was 100% for having the Lapband surgery. I went to many seminars for Lapband surgery. I attended classes of all kinds for Lapband. On my first visit, Dr. Farries explained in more detail what was involved with the lapband, and I know I would not be able to keep up the strict dieting that is required. I know myself to well. So, after hearing all the pros and cons of Gastric Sleeve, I felt this was a much better fit for me and the surgeon's office agreed.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Really, I have done so much research, talked to many people who have gone before me, and my confidence in the surgeon, I do not have any fears regarding the surgery. I would tell any one who was having concerns about whatever surgery they choose is to do their homework. Research as much as possible. Talk to people who have had the same surgery. Express your concerns with the surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks, and things happen but if you allow those fears to stop you from become a more healthier you, what is the use of living.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I have chosen to only tell a very select few people about what I am going through. My husband, who is wonderful and supporting me through every step I take with this journey, my daughter, my best girl friend, and my husband's best friend. I have told my managers as I will be off work for at least 2 weeks following surgery. I only wanted those people I know would support me and not judge the decision I made for myself. I do not want to contend with other peoples prejudicies, their snide remarks, and their expectations. I do not want to have to worry about every little bit of food I take into my mouth and wonder if they are appalled at what I am eating. I am doing this for myself and to hell with what they think.

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

Very supportive. They understand I want this kept confidential. And have been very understanding about all the appointments I am attending.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was so long ago I can't remember.
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Before & After
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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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