Weighting2Bskinny

BMI 37.8

Obesity & Me

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

Before Learning about weight loss surgery, I had no hope. I was helpless, hopeless, and frustrated. I would sneak food at night when everyone was asleep and eat, eat, eat. When I started on my pre op diet it made me so upset I cried. Food used to be my best friend and I lost her. I lost my best friend. I thought, what do I do now?! I am now learning to cope with the loss and grow emotionally and spiritually throughout this journey. I thought there was nothing that will help me... Nothing. I can't describe to the extent of how I felt battling this problem. Gastric bypass is now going to be my new best friend. Don't get me wrong, this will be hard. But my entire well being will change. Thank God for this opportunity. I am truly blessed.

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

I feel discusted, humiliated, looked at, and laughed at like I am a joke. I can't run around with my nephews and play games with them on the floor. I can't fit in many seat belts. I got stuck in a picnic table. I couldn't go on the swimming pool ladder last summer in our above ground pool. It's so embarrassing. But overall the worst thing about being overweight is My health. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, and I can hardly breath at all when I try to exercise. I'm going to fight this. I will win the battle. With God by my side, victory is already won.

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 cannot wait to have my surgery and be able to answer this question. I look forward to fitting in any size other than a 5x or 4x. I look forward to fitting in a booth at restaurants, fitting at a picnic table, swimming and easily fitting on the ladder, I mostly look forward to loving myself, my body... All of me. I feel discusted when I see my pictures or look in a mirror. After surgery I will experience nothing I have ever experienced. That is love, respect, and complete accomplishment. I am more determined than I have ever been in my life.

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

I was talking with my neighbor, who is my preacher's wife about how I felt my life was going out of control. She mentioned weight loss surgery. I was so enthused I went right home and looked it up on the internet. I was so excited! 2 years later (today) I am having gastric bypass in a few weeks.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Well, I am actually waiting for approval now. I sent in about 5 or 6 referral letters from trainers, dietitians, and doctors.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit with Dr. Blaney went extremely well. I was so nervous and scared but he made me feel completely relaxed and accepted.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My life was going out of control. I weighed 374 at my highest. I would eat uncontrollably all the time...when I was sad, happy, excited, scared, nervous, anything. Food was always there for me. It's hard to adjust with the loss of her. I call food "her" because we've been best friends for quite some time now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the sleeve thinking it was less invasive than bypass. But my insurance only covered bypass, which I found out bypass is actually a better choice for me with my weight and my lifestyle. Everything is working out perfectly.

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?

I am afraid I might die. I went to church last Wednesday, they sang a song that spoke directly to me. I got out of it that miracles are going to happen for me and for those who believe and pray, help is on the way. Another lady told me, I'm a winner either way. Actually, more people die from obesity complications than from surgery complications. I have a peace and comfort about it.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I live with my parents. They were both against it at first but over time have become to actually agree with it.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I don't work... On disability.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was glad I attended. It was informative. I didn't realize how many people actually have weight loss surgery.

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Before & After
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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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