beth S.

Obesity & Me

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

I have been fighting with my weight since high school, the more I was critized, the more I ate, My ex husband left me because I got so big, it didnt matter to him that I had a severely damaged back or gave birth to three 10 pound babies in 5 years, had to be on fertility meds and misscarried twice,

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

Sitting at the movies or restaurants, Feeling like I looked good but KNOWING better and being told by my folks and husband how bad I looked and how my health was in jeopardy,

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

Buy clothes in Jr and regular departments. I rememeber the first day I was able to buy jeans in the "regular" department, not the womens, I am 38 now so I can buy clothes more my style, rather than covering up, Anyways, I called my husband and cried because I felt now I was "normal" He thinks I am nuts and that I am just as pretty now as I was before and that I never needed surgery to make him think I am beautiful. That kind of support is invaluable !

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

Carnie Wilson, I thought I would try once and only once with my insurance company. I was approved after one week. I also had the courage to do it for ME, I was married on Sept 29th at 290 lbs and knew my husband loved me for me not what I looked like.

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

I was in a week in Intensive Care. I ended up having a pulmonary embolism and had to return after a week

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

My Dr called me on Sunday , after I was discharged on Friday. I told him I was in so much pain. He said it shouldnt be so bad and he had me come in and admitted me immediately to ICU. I had a CT scan and 1 Dr said I had a PE and another said I didnt. Luckily, it dissapated.

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 didnt feel anxious. just excited. My surgery was Oct 18th and I went Trick or Treating with my kids on the 31st

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

Dr. Haicken has a wonderful support group, but I am not into that. I never went, He was disappointed in me for not attending

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

My scar practically disappeared. I have had alot of problems with Hyernias. I have had 3 surgeries for this problem. The second time, I had to have 18 repaired, and recently had to go back to have my mesh repaired and replaced. Also I had a non-plastic surgeon take off my extra apron skin, He also removed my belly button, but it was MUCH cheaper and my body , even though I only weigh 140, is saggy so it isnt like I will be in a bikini, Also, my breasts are virtually GONE, I am embarrassed of them and wish I could afford plastic surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any plateaus, I have been unbelievably lucky, I am still actually loosing after 4 years

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES ! ! ! I get cat calls and whistles and more respect in general. My kids dont remember me when I was fat and I feel great that I dont embarrass them in front of their friends because I am normal now.
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