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

I have struggled with my weight since I can remember. I heard f WLS however, was determined to do the WL on my own. The tough of surgery was scary and I had so much fear. Until 2010 I had a new family Dr and she asked if I had heard of or considered WLS. She then referred me the the local Bariatric Clinic here in Thunder Bay. The ball started rolling since then. I gained fantastic support, guidance and information from the health professionals. I was ready, despite telling myself I would "start a diet tomorrow" tomorrow was exactly that "tomorrow" which lead to more and more weight gain. Bending over was out of the question, and if I did have to I hated it it was awkward and embarrassing. Going out was the worst...what kind of chairs will be there? Will I fit, will it break..I HATED going out of my comfort zone. ON many many levels my weigh ran my life. I have fantastic family and friends and always tried my best to put myself together and feel good, it was just not working any more.

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

I was over 350 lbs. What was to like about it..?? Being this big was horrible...bending over, sitting up, sitting and my feet falling asleep, not being able to sleep comfortably. The fear of not being able to fit in chairs, or being restricted in an area because I could not "fit" At this weight finding clothing was very hard and very expensive. All around it was the worst.

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 started my WLS journey in December 2010. I had my RNY August 10.2012 in Hamilton Ontario. I had a three week prescription liquid diet of Opti Fast to follow. Never being able to stick to diets or fads I was nervous. I decided then and there if I could not commit to the three week fast I WAS NOT READY for the WLS as I would not be successful. I was ready and did fantastic on the fast, felt great and was very proud of myself. It did not taste good at all but mind over matter I DID IT. I had to focus on the positive, this was MY choice not something I HAD to do. The two day pre surg date I had no Opti Fast and clear fluids only. At times energy was low other than that it was OK. Looking back I can't believe I did that. I thought well if I can do this do I need the operation? Maybe I can do this? I pondered in my mind...but stayed on track. One day at a time became one hour at a time. After waking up from surgery I felt horrible as to be expected, I felt I made the worst mistake of my life. The gas pains were horrible and I did not expect this at all. I heard so many ppl say oh I was great, I shopped all day two days after. Well I tell you each story if different and mine was a feeling of sadness, what have I done ? I stayed in the hospital for three nights and I can say with each day I felt better. I was so scared I would feel like I did the first two days for the rest of my life. Today is 8 days post op and I feel good. A little sore other than that I feel good. I take each day as it comes. I do little things like fold laundry, wash dishes, my family helps out alot with heavy and strenuous things. People say oh my you look so different, myself I do not notice in my appearance.(60 pounds loss) I plan to take things slow because if I choose to go over board and not listen to Dr orders I will hinder my healing process and have life long complications and I do not want to have that. ISo far so good and I thingk WOW I cant beleive I did this....but I did and I am going to learn to love myself and this new life style !! I can sat IF I CA DO THIS ANYONE CAN....I mean it...:)