Emelinda D.

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

I was all over the place. I tried many different diets and nothing worked. My last option was to look into gastric bypass surgery.

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

The worst thing to me is not being able to play with my kids the way I want to because I give out of breath so easily.

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 enjoy being able to walk without giving out of breath. being able to play with my kids. being able to walk long distances and being able to stand without hurting as bad as I use too. having gastric bypass was a blessing for me and I will be eternally grateful for being able to have it :)

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

I learned about it from my former PCP. Then I started doing research. At first, I was like there is no way I am going to do that mainly because of all of the horror stories I heard. But once I learned the REAL story, I changed my mind..

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

OMGoodness, the day I got approved honestly, I found out by accident. I called the surgeons office to find out some information and the woman I talked to said, well you are approved for surgery. I was like NO WAY..I was excited beyond belief. The only advice I really have is at this stage, you know it is going to happen so be happy and do EXACTLY what the surgeon tells you to do as in the 2 week diet before surgery. You don't want to mess things up over something like a piece of pizza or something right?

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

The first time I met Dr. Mann was at the seminar and he was so nice. He talked to me like I was a person,like he really cared about what I was saying. Then I saw him 2 more times. Once when I had the endoscopy done and then when it was the visit where he goes over all of the possible complications and things. He was laughing and he explained everything in english, not in medical terms using words I didn't understand..lol. I believe that the first meeting leaves a lasting impression and if you go in thinking something bad, then something bad is gonna happen like you will think the surgeon is being snobby or something. Go in with a good attitude and know that this surgeon really DOES care for you. Your not just money to him. At least thats how I feel about Dr. Mann!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health. My health has gotten so bad. From sleep apnea to high blood pressure. I know that if I don't hvae this surgery (which is next week!!) I am going to die because of my weight and I don't want to leave my kids without a mother. I know how it feels and I never want my kids to go through that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew gastric bypass (RNY) was for me because of my size. The lap band would not do anything for me. Also Dr. Mann said he thought that gastric bypass surgery (RNY) was what I needed to. So he just said what I already knew.

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?

Well I am gonna be honest. After I was approved I was exstatic. Off the walls happy. BUT when I went for my per-op appointment, I had to practically be TOLD not to leave the room because I got so scared I wanted to leave. I was scared of dying, the complications and everything. But luckily I have friends and family who supports me and told me that I COULD do it. That I was worth it. So I did it and I am never looking back. Anyone who has the fears, really needs to have a good support system. Yes there is a chacne of dieing and yes there is a chance of complications but just think of what is going to happen if you don't have the surgery. Think of everything that is wrong with you know. Like if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Would you rather live the REST OF YOUR LIFE with those problems or do something about it? I would have to say, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! Yes you will get scared, but once you get close to the date and you see things will be fine, everything will get better!!

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?

My family and friends was really happy with my decision. They know that I have to do this. If not I won't be around a few years from now. No questions asked!! I would not change the way I told them. Theyw as there actually when Id ecided to do it and I told them point blank, I need this and you or no one else is going to change my mind about it. So they said ok. Luckily..lol. I haven't had my surgery yet but once I do, I will answer the question!!

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

I don't work so I don't really have a answer for this question. SORRY!!
show more answers

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.

Share Now
×