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Obesity & Me

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

I first started gaining weight when I was about 9 years old. It was never that I ate more than anyone else...in fact, because my mother sees food as something necessary but not to be enjoyed, I was fed less than most other children. Still, I gained weight. Both my grandmothers were overweight and all my aunts have had to battle with their weight. My mother, who has a psychological aversion to food, is the only female relative of mine who finds it easy to remain slender. I have tried TOPS, Weight Watchers and the cabbage soup diet. Nothing worked. When I was in my 20s, I went through a period of bulimia, and did lose weight at that time. However, as soon as my life changed and I felt better about myself and started eating (lightly, mind you...not overeating), the weight piled back on at record speed. I again lost weight while pregnant with our second child, because I was vomiting after every meal for 6 weeks. Again, as soon as I could eat normally, the weight was back on. No matter what I do, I keep gaining weight. I see people looking at me when I'm filling my plate at a buffet, picnic or the like. They watch to see how much food I'm going to eat. Surprise, surprise...they are eating more than I am. I don't understand it, but oh, it does hurt. Why can't I be like other people? I'm not eating constantly...I don't particularly CARE for sweets...my meals are always a normal portion! But for some reason, I'm fat anyway. Why is it still okay for society to condemn people for their weight? They wouldn't dare make jokes about people on national television because of their skin color or sexual orientation, but for some reason it's okay to talk about fat people like we're pigs feeding at a trough.

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

Not being able to exercise, or play actively with my kids. Getting all sweaty and out of breath when I'm photographing my customers, especially at weddings.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

EVERYTHING!! It's been 12 years or so, and I can do anything I want! Nothing has changed my life as much as this surgery did. I will be forever grateful to all those who were a part of the process.

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

My husband's current insurance program (Wausau Prevea HMO) has flatly and emphatically denied my request for coverage. They stated the the company my husband works for had specifically added an exclusion for bariatric surgery. January 1, 2002, however, the insurance companies are changing, and we were given the option of switching to BCBS/PPO. I have already spoken to them, and they've told me that with my weight-related problems, they will approve my request. My greatest suggestion is to see if you can go with a PPO instead of HMO. I have learned first-hand with this and other health-related issues this year, that HMOs really are the spawn of Satan.

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

I was very pleased with Dr. Cynthia Geocaris. She's such a tiny, young thing, and yet I felt very comfortable with her. She's very kind and friendly. Don't be afraid to ask any question. I'm sure all the physicians doing these surgeries have already heard any that we can come up with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The before/after pictures of people who have had it done, the fact that everyone who has had it done is thrilled with the results, and the fact that my husband and children support me 100%. My children, in fact, are counting the days. It kind of hurts to know that, although they have always adored 'Mommy', they are SO anxious for me to look like their friends' mothers. I almost feel like I've been hurting them all these years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My first choice would have been the LAP RNY, but no one locally performs it. My only choice, therefore, is Open RNY. I have decided that the VBG simply isn't for me.

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?

It's a hodge-podge. Some friends and family think I'm overreacting and that I should simply diet. Others say "Way to go!"
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