Kaci Campbell

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Obesity & Me

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

I lived my life battling low self esteem. I tried to disguise it by being funny and cheerful. I tried all the fad diets and they all worked as long as I stayed on them. I needed something more permanent.

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

I felt huge, self conscious and embarrassed.

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 almost everything more now. I "fit" in booths, on rides and on plastic lawn chairs.

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

I saw something on the internet and started researching it. I thought I finally found something that would work for me.

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

I had United Health Care at the time of my RNY. I was approved within 5 days without any problems.

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

I went to my first meeting at BTC with my mom and best friend Jodi. We asked a lot of questions between the 3 of us and the Dr. answered all of them plus some we didnt think of. I felt very comfortable with the surgeon. I also researched his medical license prior to going.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I would get the surgery as soon as I finished my first consultation.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the RNY-Distal because it had the greatest success rate and most weight loss associated with it.

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?

I was afraid of dying or being damaged permanently. I just prayed, asked a ton of questions and researched the Dr and hospital. I researched for about a year before meeting with the surgeon.

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 mom was all for it. My daughter and partner were against it and fought me every step of the way. They came around at the last minute and were wonderful with my recovery. My dad and sister were scared, but supportive. I was rough on my daughter. I shouldve addressed her fears in a much more loving and patient manner.

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

Work was fine.

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

I had the open RNY so I had about a 6" scar.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People were definitely different. I lost some good friends and gained some others. People dont always support your new thinner self. It changes how you eat and how you do things. Suddenly you can move freely and order less food. Sales people actually speak to you. Guys open the door for you. Its a shame to really know how much prejudice was directed against the old you.
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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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