Viola F. Burris

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

Before WLS i had been on every diet out there ,I lost weight but I always gained it back plus some. It's hard for me to exersize because my leg and hip is deformed.

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

I got to were i couldn't take but a few steps and I was always so...tired no matter what i did.And people would tell me just push yourself away from the table.

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

WALKING!!!!!

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

I first heard about WLS from cousins that had had it and some of them got very sick and some didn't,I got to watching them and the ones that got sick was still eating sugar and fat which caused dumping. I first thought It was the easy way out but it is not,you have to lose weight before the surgery,you have to attend several classes,and support group.I was having so much trouble walking that I told Dr. Bartel and he asked had I thought about WLS,I said yes but I can't afford that he told me that medicare would help pay for it.So very soon I contacted Dr. Wornock and got started.

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

My first visit was very informitive and Dr. Wornock was so kind not looking at me like how could you let yourself get like this to start with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to walk again and I had sleep apnea,If I didn't have WLS I was either not going to be walking or dead anyway.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did research on the internet and talked to Dr.Wornock about which was right for me.I wanted to make sure It stayed off this time.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I realy didn't have fears about complications or death. I've had several major surgeries since I was 5yrs.old and have always done great.And as for the dying part I know the Lord and I didn't want to live in the shape I was in anyway because that's not living.I know that some people don't have a choice of walking or not walking but I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything in my power to walk again.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Some family members didn't like it at all said that I'd either be sick the rest of my life or die.Some were very supportive especially those that have a weight problem them selves.

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

The hospital staff were great and I've been in a lot of hospitals.I went into the hospital on Thursday had surgery that day and checked out Saurday.Bring your WLS manual.

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 have felt great and so excited about my new life.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I know this isn't tipical but I have done great, my incision site is a little sore but that's about it.I do go for a walk each day, and with only one leg I can't be doing too bad.

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

I have not been able to attend a support group yet because I live so far away but I'm planning on atteding one some way.I do go online at ObesityHelp.com

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

My scar looks great,I have a lot of scars from surgries and this is one of the best looking.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

If your talking weight pateau I don't know because Dr. Wornock said don't weigh on scales other than his for one yr.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but I'm sure they will
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×