Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
Food was the one thing in my life that never disappointed me. I used food as a comfort in sadness, a de-stresser in times of stress and a reward in times of celebration which is what led me to be 282lbs. I've dieted since the age of 7, although some diets were successful, I quickly gained the weight back because I didn't deal with the real issue of me using food as a coping mechanism. I would hide from the world and stay home and eat until I was beyond full. I was too ashamed to go out sometimes because of how much weight I gained. I avoided friends, family and all social events because of how terrible I felt about myself. I sneak and eat food at work and at home so that people wouldn't see how much I truly ate. I never imagined that I would be a candidate for bariatric surgery because I was in denial of how overweight I was. Prior to learning about surgery I was very irresponsible with my eating habits assuming that because of my age and me being in overall good health - I wasn't at risk for anything. After the results from my pre-op testing came back, I found out that I had asthma, gallstones and inflammation of the stomach. I'm extremely blessed that I didn't acquire anything more serious with the lack of care I gave my body.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
I had so many experiences! One was my inability to be as active with my son and daughter as I would have like. Most days my lower back and knees, would feel like they were on fire. To walk sometimes, was very painful. The kids and I would go to the park quite often during the summer and I was only able to devote 10 – 15 minutes of playing on the playground and playing football. Tag was out of the question. I was out of breath doing simple tasks such as walking up or down 5 stairs, getting out of the car, getting up from sitting etc…Me being overweight made me extremely self conscious and uncomfortable with myself. This affected my friendships and relationships with others.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
I LOVE RUNNING!!! I could never run before. It's such an amazing feeling to move freely without achy joints or pain. I love being able to be active with my children at the park and in sports. I've learned to appreciate and enjoy exercising, everything from zumba to aerobics.
I enjoy being more social and meeting new people. Prior to surgery I was very self conscious and kept to myself because I was ashamed of my weight. Since surgery, my self confidence has boosted. I now feel comfortable with the person that I am and am comfortable to step out of my previous comfort zone.
BrandNewKimmie
