Some answers from "My Journey"

Jul 07, 2013

Obesity & Me

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

I have always strugged with my weight since I hit puberty earlier than other children (at around the age of 9). I knew I was taller and bigger than them and I knew that I had to wear a bra before the other girls did. Kids are most exceptionally cruel. I did slim down some in Junior High and High School thanks to staying active, but my weight started to really rise up in my late teens (19) when I hit a huge bout of depression in college. Between the depression, a decline in my physical health, and having to take medications that increase weight and decrease metabolism, my weight absolutely BALLOONED! Before I knew it, I was 25 years old, horribly depressed, and over 300 lbs!

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

The toll it takes on your health is by far the worst thing. The self-esteem issues is the other. It's the way that society treats you when you are overweight, it just makes you want to become a hermit. Shopping is also a pretty horrible experience when you're a size 26W and you pretty much want do that from the comfort of your desk chair and a computer instead of in front of the eyes of a pitying salesperson. You know, I am now not sure which one of those is the worst. They are all pretty god awful... Oh, and being the "fat friend" when you go out with your friends. That one ranks up there as well....

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

Shopping, hands down! I can go anywhere I want to and shop! Heck, I get dirty looks when I go into Lane Bryant and help friends pick out clothes now, which is totally different for me. I'm a size 2/4 and a S in shirts. I've never been this small in my whole life, not even in puberty. It's really pretty awesome, especially being 9 years post-op. I also enjoy working out, which I hated with a passion! And I really enjoy going swimming now because I don't get looks of disgust when I have a swimsuit on =D

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