Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Karrie G.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

Most recently I have been eating "cause it's there", "cause I'm bored", "cause it's easy". The emotional eating happens from time to time, but the first reasons listed are more of an issue. My family is obese and I was raised with "clean up your plate" logic. In the past, emotional eating has been stong. It was/is often a crutch for internal pain.

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

The pain. I hurt, my back, my neck, my legs, my knees, my ankles, my everything.

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

I found out from TV and was intrigued. I never thought it was the easy way out, but wondered why if someone could eat different after surgery, why they can't do it before surgery. I now realize this is a tool to help with long term success of keeping weight off.

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

It was a breeze. They had 24 hours from the time the request was received and it took only that.

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

I am on the waiting list, waiting for this visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be around for my son.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I asked around to find out who did it laporscopically.

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 haven't decided whether or not to tell my parents and sibblings. I have a fear that if I don't tell them and something happens, that I never said "goodbye". I also am fearful of my son being without a mom.

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 husband and 3 close female friends are for it, especially now that I've done lots of research and sole searching.

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

not applicable. I am temping.