Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Joy W.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I have been a yo-yo dieter for about 15 years... losing and regaining weight on a yearly basis. It is an emotionally depressing life to lead as a severely to morbidly obese person... one that I was not willing to take anymore. I could not stand the thought of losing weight all over again, only to regain it (plus some) within a year. Bariatric surgery was the anser for me.

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

Feeling like an outcast from society.

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

I learned about bariatric surgery through the media. At first I joked about it... "Well, if I can't lose this weight, there is always the Bariatric Treatment Center!" My friends and I always got a good laugh out of that. Then I started researching it more on the internet, and realized that my BMI qualified me as "morbidly obese." Suddenly the idea of bariatric surgery wasn't so funny to me... it became a very serious subject.

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

My experience was too easy... compared to others. I never spoke with my carrier... CORI centers took care of everything for me. It was a breeze.

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

My first visit was 2-part: 1) an informational session for about 15 patients; 2) individual consult to discuss my case. Come prepared with any questions you and/or your family may have. Bring along a spouse/friend/other family member for support and to remember anything you may have forgotten to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was the "morbidly obese" label and seeing myself in pictures and family movies that helped me make up my mind.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I researched my options and felt the most comfortable with Dr. Sapala and CORI centers because of the Sapala-Wood Micropouch procedure.