Cheryl W.

Obesity & Me

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

My battle started when I was a young child. I would go up and down the scale like a yo-yo. At one point, I was in a size 5,weighing about 135. 7 years later I was at my heaviest point ever! I had a friend from High School that I got back in touch with who had the surgery. She was a wonderful outlet for me. Watching her morph into the beautiful girl on the outside she always was on the inside inspired me to change myself. The people at Neweigh made it happen for me.

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

The worst thing about being overweight was that I had a wonderful husband who was very athletic and two beautiful daughters who were in dance and other sports. I was the one mom who sat on the side lines and watch her life play out with other people.

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

Being as active as my family. I have so much more energy than before. I can dance with my husband and make it more than once around the dance floor! I can keep up with my girls now too!!

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

My friend had it first. I called Neweigh and got it all started. My impression with them was that they knew what they were talking about and made me very comfortable.

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

My stay in the hospital was o.k. I am not a fan of them anyway. I was there 3 days. I found it good to bring a book, slippers(since it is so important to walk!)and a phone list. It helps to be able to talk to people who are nothing but encouraging.

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

I had no 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 was very excited. Mine went so fast that I did not have time to get any anxiety at all.

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

NeWeigh's aftercare is GREAT! I couldn't have made it through without the litte sisters and brothers.

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

I had lap. My scars are fading nicely and it is exactly what I was told to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have a some plateaus along the way. At first it was a little nerve racking. I have learned that it is to be expected and up the protein and move on!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People do treat me differant. It is sad, but true. I am the same person inside but in this world, it seems to be the outside that counts.
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