Shevawn A.

Obesity & Me

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

At first, my self esteem level was very low. My ex- husband told me that he was ashamed to be around me because I had gained weight. I had a father who had no problem with telling me how much he hated fat people, and that I would never get a man because of my fat. It is very hard when you see how people react to heavy folk. When you know you are a beautiful person, it doesn't help when you talk to someone on the phone and they are all flirtatious until the meet you. Fortunately I did meet a man that loved me for who I was and am. Eventually I got over my self esteem issues and became very comfortable with me the person. I questioned myself as to why did I still want to have this surgery? Quite simply my health. I want to live.

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

There are alot of bad things about being overweight but the worse thing for me was the constant worry of whether or not I would survive the day without having a heart attack or some kind of death related to my weight.

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

Too soon to tell. But I will keep you posted.

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

I can't remember when I first heard of it but I knew that it was something that I would be interested in.

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

At first I had changed my insurance form Kaiser to Blue Cross so that I could get the surgery. At the time I didn't know that Kaiser did the surgery. Well after visiting the doctor, I was turned down by the insurance company. Boy did I cry. I didn't bother to appeal. I hate the agony of defeat. I signed back up with kaiser. After a little push a very good friend. I got in touch with the surgeon who approved my surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I WANTED TO LIVE FOR MY FAMILY!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took what the doctor offered and did alot of research with sites like this one.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I didn't have fears about this but only for a quick minute. that is because of my faith. I believe God wouldn't have let this happen if it were to harm 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?

I think the first initial reaction was fear. But they like myself did their homework by research. They have been my biggest supporters. They check on me to make sure that I am taking my vitamins and proteins. They want to know how I am feeling, and they cheer my weight-loss. Now I have a cousin preparing to have surgery.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I'm not working so...it doesn't matter (smile)

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

There is asupport group at the place where I had my surgery. The first meeting for me is this week. Eventhough it is 2 hours away, I will attend.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

My scar is long. It is not a surprise to me. I hate the itching though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.
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