PhoenixAlexander

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Obesity & Me

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

There was never enough. Food was my source of comfort, my emotional supporter, and occasionally my lover ... not in a gross way either. Food was my companion that provided what I needed, whenever I desired.

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

I think personally the worst thing was fear of death. And in the family sense ... I was an embarrassment to my kids. For them to be seen with me was horrific for my kids.

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

Well ... there are several things that my wife enjoys more. :-) For me though ... I enjoy EVERYTHING more! Life is anew before me again everyday. :-) I swear ... that's NOT just a saying for me. I enjoy a chance at life each and EVERY day ... and I'm thankful for each of those days.

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

I don't recall how I first heard about it. But, my first impression was ... and mistakenly so ... "what an easy way out."

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My newborn daughter was playing on the floor. She suddenly began to cry -- as infants do. And when I went to comfort her, I could not physically get down to the ground to reach her. I was no longer a father, I was a living memory of what a father once was. I had to stop!

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?

My choice was simple. Have the surgery and possibly face death. Or, don't have the surgery and definately face death.

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

My stay in the hospital was 5 days ... I had open RNY, so yours may be different. The most important thing to bring ... a back scratcher, to reach all of the places that you won't be able to for awhile.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Hmmm ... just pneumonia. However, that may be my fault as I tried excercising too quickly in the cold Washington rain of November.

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 was absolutely terrified ... and excited at the same time. Quite the odd combo, but those were my feelings.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The NG tube!

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

I attend support meetings at least twice a month. I think that they are VITAL to continued success!! We are not in this alone people, and remember ... it is a LIFELONG battle we are fighting!

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

Scar? Who cares?? I'M ALIVE!!! That's what's important to me! They could have given me a scar on my face for the chance to be alive like I am now!!! Scar ... pshaw at the scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

We all experience plateaus ... get over them. :-) Excercise more, eat less, or accept this as your destination weight. Don't dwell on plateau's ... focus on the success leading up to the plateau!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Ohhhh MAN YES!!! And it makes me SICK!
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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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