Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Linda H.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I started gaining weight when I was six years old. I was put on my 1st diet at age 9. I remember being teased and tormented throughout elementry and Jr. High. One highlight was having my mom have me show my stomach to a neighbor to figure out what the red stretch marks were on my belly. My mom was overweight too and was unable to keep it off either. I was dateless in highschool although I was well liked. I was told by my nursing school that I should lose the weight or I might not be accepted to nursing school. I gained 20lbs during nursing school. After graduating and getting a good job I ended up gaining more weight. When I topped 200 lbs I went on a calorie restricted diet of 800 cal a day and swam 50 laps 3 times a week, rode a bike for 5 miles a day(on the street) and I lifted weight. I lost 70 lbs and felt great. I kept it off for less than a year. I got pregnant twice within 2 years. I gained it all back plus 50 lbs. Since then I have tried to restrict calories but I get too hungry and I binge. I still exercise but it doesn't help me lose. I've gone to weight docs for shots and pills. I've tried high protein/low carb and low protein/high carb and just about every fad diet. I've use metabolife and its imitators. With each I lose some and gain back more. I am now afraid to diet because I will just get bigger. I'm only 41 and I can't do anything with my child because I'm just to big. I'm starting to show physical symptoms of carrying so much weight.

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

The worst thing is not being able to do things I want to do. I cant go on amusement park rides with my daughter because of my size.I can't go riding bikes or rollerskating with her. I hate the sneers and comments from people who are to ignorant to keep their mouths shut. I hate not being able to buy clothes off the rack and only at special big lady stores. I hate it when my feet hurt when I get up in the morning and I get short of breath going up stairs.

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

I heard about bariatric surgery when Rosanne had it and then Carnie Wilson. I went looking on the internet for more info. I was afraid of it at first and went on another diet which didn't work. I think now it is my only chance of living any kind of quality life.

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

My surgeon had a lot of paperwork ready for me to read and was very available for questions. He was very clear on the downside of the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I started having trouble climbing my stairs and home and I was having increasing pain in my feet and knees. Personal hygiene was becomming more difficult. With my strong family history of diabetes and heart disease I was afraid I would not live much longer at this weight.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I decided on the rny because I liked the bypass portion to limit absorption. Also distal RNY was the surgery reccommended by the surgeon that the HMO covered.

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 was afraid of leaving my 11 year old daughter alone. I had a will made out and a medical power of attorney done before surgery. You can find the forms at Staples.

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 and friends were very supportive. Any negitive response came from worry about me having complications. I have had no negative comments about my wanting to have surgery.

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

I was very open about my surgery in my work place. I gave my supervisor notice as soon as I got my date. I had a lot of long term disability built up.

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

I had high blood pressure post-op and was transfered to ICU for 2 days. They gave me meds and got my pain under control. I didn't worry about it, I knew they would take care of it.