Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I struggled with various dieting programs, losing 20 lbs here, 30 lbs there, but regaining the weight back plus some. I was an emotional eater, eating when I was happy, sad, upset, angry, stressed, etc... This made dieting a greater struggle for me due to lack of ability to control my impuses to overeat, especially high concetrated sweats. I did not have any problems medically with blood pressure, diabetes, or any other disease normally associated with obesity, but knew I was at risk for it, espcially since my mother is a diabetic and my father has high blood pressure. Even knowing those risks were elevated with my weight, I still could not control my eating habits. I would go to the store, purchase groceries, that would include things such as ding-dongs, twinkies, ho-ho's, and any other pastry, cookie, ice cream, or candy bar you can imagine. Before I would get home from the store, I'd have devoured the whole box. Then, once I got home and realized what I did, I'd feel depressed and eat even more.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
The worst thing about being overweight for me, was not being able to enjoy so many simple things, such as playing catch with my son and daughter, going for a bike ride, walking for longer distances, and so many other things with my children. I will never forget, approximately 10 years prior to bariatric surgery, I went to a theme park and attempted to ride a roller coaster. I got on, the gentleman had to use his foot to get the overhead harness down and in place. I had to sit in the seat at an angle, and as the harness came down and in place, it pinched me on my hip. The whole ride was so uncomfortable, I never rode a roller coaster again.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
Post bariatric surgery, I am able to ride my bike, go for a run, walk up and down stairs without pain, get down on the floor and play with my kids and grandson. I went to a theme park and rode every roller coaster they had more than once, and me and my children enjoyed every moment of it. I feel like I am living again! I have my life I lost back, and I am healthier now at the age of 40 than what I was at the age of 25. I am not depressed anymore, the only thing I struggle with is my loose skin. My insurance will not cover for it to be removed and although I am approved for credit to have it done and make payments, I do not desire to be put through the pain post-operatively that I hear horror stories about. It is the best thing that has ever happened in my life other than being blessed with my children and grandchild.
Kassie Rickard
