Weight Loss Survey Responses

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

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

I have been overweight since I hit puperty at age 10. Prior to that I was normal. My average weight through high school was 165. I have been on every diet known to man. In 1979 they suggested the surgery and I told them no. I radically changed the way I ate, went on Atkins diet (but didn't drink enough water and ruined my kidneys) and lost 135 lbs. I have gained and lost two elephants and have tried every diet known. Unless I am on a very strick regime I loose nothing. I have lived me life with zest and vigor but being heavy is a very debilitating disorder within this society. People feel that they have a right to judge who you are by your size. And that it is OK to ridicule and make fun of you. I finally learned that if you look these people in the eye - THEY turn away and not me.

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

The inability to do the things that I want. And having husbands who loved me but tolerated my size. Invariably my weight became an issue in my marriage.

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

I learned about it in 1976 and felt they did not have the process down yet. I also just was not in a place to say I couldn't beat this thing. But I have done everything I can outside of surgery and the weight is winning. I am tired of fighting and from all my current research it appears that they really understand what they are doing now and the success rate is very high.