Kim C.

Obesity & Me

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

I hated myself for allowing me to be so FAT! How could I let myself get so big? I have a beautiful husband and beautiful children and then look at me! I just wanted to climb into a hole and never come out. I missed my 10 year class reunion because I was even bigger now than I was at my 5 year. I didn't want anybody to see how ugly I had become. We have a boat to have fun on our weekends and I don't like to go because I don't want our friends to see me in a swimsuit. What kind of life is this?

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

People treat you so differently when you are overweight. Sales people don't offer to help you unless you ask and then it seems to be a huge inconvenience to them. You never get the job you really want it seems like you settle for what is offered. You just don't "fit" in to this world.

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

Walking without becoming winded! Sitting in my vehicle and not touching both arm rests with my hips. Buying new UNDERWEAR!!!! woohoo who knew it would be so much fun?

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

I 1st heard of the surgery several years ago and I thought "man I would die to have that surgery". Several years went by and I heard of it more and more. One day I got layed off from my job and I thought to myself "this could be an opportunity for me to look into the surgery". So I did and here I am 118 pounds thinner and Happier!

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

I was in the hospital from Tuesday til Friday. I had a very enjoyable stay. The staff was wonderful and I received the very best of care. The most important thing to take is your will to live and your support person. I could not have done all of this without my wonderful husband...Todd!

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

Non right off. I did have a stricture later on but it was easily fixed with a scope twice.

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 felt like I was on top of the world! I was finally going to lose this weight for good. BUT.......I was very scared that I may not wake up from surgery and who would take care of my husband and kids. I had forgotten to write them letters telling them that I loved them and I was sorry for leaving them. Thank God I woke up and I am a better wife and mom now because I can do things with them now!!!

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

I try to attend our monthly support group as often as possible. my biggest support is my family and friends! I could never have done all of this without them! They are my angels!!!!!

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

I had the LAP RNY. My scars are very small and not too noticable. It is what I had hoped for.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss is very slow now since I am 1 year out. My plateau's started at about 6 months out. They have never lasted very long though...thank goodness!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH YEAH!!!!! It is very unfortuante but they do.. People that i thought were my friends are not. They talk very bad about me. Well I have figured out that it is pure jealousy! I am the same person inside just not as much of me outside.
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