ozzette

Obesity & Me

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

I have been heavy all of my life, with exception to a brief period when i was 14, when I discovered boys and lost a considerable amount of weight. I lost around 40 pounds, but later gained it all back in the next year and a half. I remember my mother putting me on a diet when I was 10 years old. From that moment on, I hopped from diet to diet, trying to rid myself of this body that I hated. Some diets were healthy diets, others were dangerous, such as the laxative diet I went on when I was 16. I remember being in the 4th grade during P.E, when the coach was weighing the class, and I was the heaviest kid in the entire gymnasium, weighing in at 100 pounds. During the last 10 years or so, I have steadily gained weight, despite numerous attempts to lose it. I get so depressed everytime I have to go shopping for new clothes, because nothing fits, and it seems like each time i need a bigger size. I have had thoughts of suicide, I even wished at one point that I would become deathly ill, that way I would lose weight and finally not be ashamed to walk down the street. I feel embarrased walking into a resturant, because I feel like everyone is watching me. The final devastating blow was when I realized that my husband and I hadn't made love for 2 months, simply because I am too fat to get into any of the positions I eel comfortable in. I have not let him see me fully naked in years. Then my sister in law finally got the guts to have her WLS 3 months ago, and she's got a new lease on life. I am so proud of her! Without her support and advice, I'd never have even thought I could go through this process.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is hearing my 6 year old say "Bet you can't catch me mommy", and knowing that I can't run more than a few feet without being winded.

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 can tie my shoes without being out of breath, I can cross my legs, and I can walk without feeling like I'm going to pass out!

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

I first found out about the WLS a few years ago through a television commercial. I thought it was too extreme, and that the risk of dying was just too great.

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

I fought with my insurance every step of the way. My advice? FIGHT! Don't give up, and never take no for an answer.

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

I was so nervous, I had butterflies in my belly. But the staff was so nice, and I met a few post-op patients in the waiting room, which helped. Also, make sure to take your list of questions with you. I began writing mine the day I made the appointment, and the appointment was for 2 weeks later!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight was steadily climbing, and I was developing heart problems. I'm only 29!

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

My hospital stay was ok, I guess. Most of the nurses were nice, but a couple were real jerks. They were totally rude, and acted like I was worthy of being treated well. I stayed 4 days, and the most important thing I brought was my own pillow, and my husband.

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

NONE!

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 was so excited! I was like a madwoman cleaning my house, throwing out old junk, catching up on phone calls and writing letters, and spending lots of time talking to my kids about it. Talking to other members of this site really helped to calm me down when the stress got to be just too much.

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

I have 2 online support groups that I participate in, and my family is so supportive. I used to go to a meeting, but I found that most of the people there only want to whine and moan, instead of being grateful they have been given this tool to reclaim their life!

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

My scar is about 5 inches long, and very hard and puffy. I had never had surgery before, so I had no idea what to expect. It doesn't hurt, but I will be glad when the puffiness goes away!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet :)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet really, except my husband makes sexy little comments to me now more than he did. I don't think that's because of the way I look now, as much as it is the way I feel and act now.
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Before & After
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before photo after photo

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