kwinkleman

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Obesity & Me

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

Before learning about bariatric surgery I was on a constant up and down battle with my weight. I would try fad diets only to lose a few pounds only to gain even more back. The diets I was trying was not healthy, most included dangerous drugs; prescription and over the counter. Most were not healthy nutrition wise; they would cut out important food groups, or limits calorie intake to unbelievably low levels just to lose a few pounds. Once you get off the diet the weight would come back on times 10. And with that added weight came the added mental and emotional stress of being a failure.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is the toll that it takes on you mentally. As an overweight child I didn't have confident in myself. As an overweight adult that negative self image and lack of self-esteem only grew. Not only did I hate the way I looked but I didn't feel like I was worth anyone's love, attention, or affection. I would allow myself to be taken advantage of, treated poorly, and walked over simply because I thought it was normal for people to treat me this way.

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 had surgery 11/29/2010, since losing 120 pounds I have enjoy LIFE! Walking up a flight of stairs is no longer a dreaded task. Going shopping isn't something that I dread, I can go into any store and find something that I like....IN MY SIZE. Looking in the mirror isn't something that I avoid doing, I actually like the way that I look and I enjoy the compliments that I get. Being healthy is so enjoyable, being able to teach my 8 year old son about eating healthy, choosing healthy snacks, and seeing him make healthy food choices is an amazing feeling.

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

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