Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I had been overweight or obese pretty much all my life. I was heavy in grade school and by the time I left middle school, I was already wearing a size 22. I tried fad diet after fad diet, tried regular diet and exercise, and many times I would be successful in losing a little weight then within months it would all be back on - Plus some more for good measure. I had researched bariatric surgery a few times, but never pursued it because I didn't think it was affordable or attainable for me. Finally, I decided to call Medicaid (my insurer) to see if they cover weight loss surgery and to my surprise and delight, they do! Soon after I talked to my primary care doctor about the possibility of Lap-Band surgery. She referred me to a GREAT, LOCAL surgeon (who I had never heard of) and 6 months later, I had my surgery. Though, I ended up deciding RNY was a better route for me than the band.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
So many restrictions. Embarrassment over not fitting into tight places like desks and carnival rides, not being able to buckle a seat belt. People think you're lazy and disgusting and smelly when it's really the opposite. Not being able to move around and do anything without getting completely exhausted. Being made fun of. Being in fear for my life and health. So much sucks about being obese!
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
I like shopping now that I no longer fear not being able to fit into the clothes. I still have to shop at plus sized stores/departments, but I know they have my size. Before I was struggling to fit into the largest sized clothes in the plus sized store! Many more things will be here as I get further out. :)
Celia S.
