Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I have always struggled with my weight. I remember being called “Fat” at age 5. Up through 2008 I would gain & lose weight always added more then I lost. I tried every diet I could. However, regardless I continued to put on weight. After I injured by back, things got much worst. My activity level went down, and my weight sky rocketed. I finally gave up and just started eating anything I wanted as it just didn’t matter. I was approaching diabetes and High cholesterol, I needed a 4th knee surgery, and had High Blood pressure. I was so depressed- I hated everything. I wore the same clothes over & over again daily, because I just didn’t care anymore. I even had a hard time staying clean, because I couldn’t even shower well. I was stressed from work, felt useless, hopeless, gross, ugly and hated myself. So I started to check into bariatric surgery. I ended up choosing the Lap-Band.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
The worst thing for me was missing out on my children’s lives. My back and legs was so sore that I could hardly stand or walk. Over and over again I had to say “No” after telling them weeks before we would go somewhere or do something special. The look in my son and daughters’ eyes hurt me so much when I had to say we wouldn’t be doing whatever after all. My fondest memories of my father were of going on Cub and Scout campouts, something I couldn’t do with my son. I realized my children would never have those memories.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
My Band has completely changed my life, and I'm still losing. Before, I was the guy who couldn't do anything. I just laid on the couch or bed. I now go camping with my son and his scout troop. I play at the Park with my daughter. My wife and I go on walks. I actually went on a Rock climbing trip with my son and made it to the top. I almost cried. I can finally do those things I was missing out on. I am part of my Family and part of their lives again.
Jeffrey B.
