RandeeSue

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Obesity & Me

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

I was born with Mylomeningocele(the most severe form of Spina Bifida). But despite my SB as a child I was ALWAYS thin and very active. I loved to ride my handcycle and go on walks(particularly the March Of Dimes March For Babies). I never was a big eater. So I know my weight issue isn't food related. But by the time I was 25 I was nearly 200 LBS. Being as short as I am and with the inability to move very well to begin with being that heavy was absolutely horrible. My doctors all tried to tell me "it is just the nature of the beast". But being as young as I was I said "Why does it have to be? Why can't we do something about the problem?" "Why are you all condemning me to a life in a wheelchair when I am so young and have so much more living to do?" FINALLY in early 2009 I got 1 of my docs to listen to me and he agreed to help.

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

Not being able to do the things I once did. Being in so much pain 24/7 and wanting to cry with EVERY SINGLE step I took or movement I made. Also there is a history of Asthma in my family and I developed it at age 18 by 25 it was hard to do anything without my asthma acting up.

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

As of December 1,2009(the day I had my RNY Gastric Bypass) I have been able to enjoy the active lifestyle I had as a child. I can and do go for a swim at the YMCA 3 days a week(I am a fish). I ride my handcycle a lot more now. And I am now committed to physically walking every year in my hometown's annual March Of Dimes March For Babies.

Before & After
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before photo after photo

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.

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