Toni C.

Obesity & Me

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

I'd been overweight for my entire life and no matter what diets I went on, exercise I did, or how little I ate I could NOT lose weight. I remember needing to buy a women's maternity dress for Easter when I was about 9 years old. At 10 I started seeing dieticians. At 11 I joined a swimteam. I managed to become a varsity swimmer by high school - while weighing around 200 pounds. When I started college, I initially lost some weight, but gained it all back and then about 50 pounds more within a year.

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

Oh, there are so many things. I think the worst is sticking out in public - having people stare at you and not being able to be like the normal young woman that I am. Also, not fitting into things like chairs, seatbelts, roller coasters, etc...

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 haven't done much outside of my normal routine yet, but I do like that I fit much better in chairs and that I can shop in the normal sections of stores. I can't wait to try roller coasters this summer!

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

I had heard about it when Carnie Wilson had surgery, but I didn't know anything about it. I never thought I would be able to have it. Then I ran across the obesityhelp.com site several years later and learned a lot more.

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

My hospital stay was rather pleasant (other than the surgical pain). I had my own room and was there from Monday until Thursday. Definately bring slippers that slide on and a laptop (if the hospital will let you - mine did). It was so nice to be able to talk to my friends and go into chats while still in the hospital.

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

I had some minor food issues that seem to have worked themselves out. I didn't have any major problems or complications.

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 ate everything in sight. I would drive thru McD's one night, BK the next, and Taco Bell the night after that. I was an eating-machine. I was so scared that I would never again enjoy food. Surprisingly, I lost 18 pounds.

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

I see my doc about every 3 months and there is a monthly support group that I go to. I think it's quite important to be able to talk to other bariatric patients and compare stories and experiences. It makes me feel better to know that better days are coming and that I'm not alone on this journey.

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

I had lap so I have 6 little scars that are about 1/2 to 2" long. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet (knock on wood), but my loss is slowing down. I still lose about 1-3 pounds a week - sometimes less, sometimes more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes - men open doors for me, people say hi and look me in the eye. I'm enjoying the change.
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