Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are RVDolores 's responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I am a stress eater. I binge mainly at night while watching TV after my family goes to bed.

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

Being embarrassed to take my 8 year old daughter to birthday parties of classmates, being embarrassed to go out with my husband even though he loves me as I am and being depressed all the time about how I look.

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

A friend had the surgery and looks great. I started researching on my own and talked it over with my primary doctor.

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

The doctors office took care of that. They got approval within 5 days.

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

I watched a video first then met with the surgeon. I get nervous so I prepared a list of questions. Before my appt I read "The Doctor's Guide to Weightloss Surgery".

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just don't feel myself - I want to feel healthier and happier and not be ashamed to go out with my beautiful family.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I left that up to the surgeon.

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 very afraid of having complications, but I asked the dr his stats on various complications. My doctor also told me that by staying at my current weight combined with my other health issues that I will knock 10 yrs off of my life - my goal is not to let this happen.

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?

My family is scard and right now are not my biggest source of support - my friends are torn; some are jealous I am doing this, some are supportive and some feel I don't need it. This site is a major source of support for me.

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

Completely supportive.