Glenda W.

Obesity & Me

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

I always hated the way I looked. And it seemed as if every year things got worse. I might lose some weight, but then it would pile back on and more. I became depressed. I wanted to go out and do fun things, but felt I wouldn't be able to do the things. If I did go out with my friends or hubby I would be tired after just one dance. And there was no way I could play sports, hike, or any other active things. The things that I really enjoyed when I was younger and thinner.

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

Not being able to keep up with my children. Not liking myself and feeling that others will not like me because of my weight.

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

Dancing, running around with my kids. Sitting on my hubbys lap and not worrying that I am squishing him. And yesterday I went knee boarding which I would never have been able to do before surgery!

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

The first time I hear about WLS I didn't think it was for me. At the time I wasn't quite as overweight so I didn't consider it an option. Later my PCP metioned it as being the only permanent solution to my weight problems. Even then I really didn't consider it. When I neared the 300# mark, I began looking into the surgery. I told myself that I would never hit that high of a weight and that it was time to do something permanent. I knew right away that it was for me.

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

My scar isn't too bad. Its pretty much what I expected it would be like. As time goes on it keeps fading. My plastic surgeon plans to do a revision of it when he does my tummy tuck so that it will be even less noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't really had any.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! People are nicer. Customer service in stores is so much better now. And more people want to talk to me. When I go out with friends all the guys seem to notice me now instead of looking right through me. Of course my hubby isn't too thrilled by this :-)
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