Cheryl J.

  • BMI 32.4

Obesity & Me

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

Before I had the surgery, I literally hated myself. I was 320lbs. at 26 years old and couldn't even walk around the mall or play with my son. I tried everything! Dr. adkins, weight watchers, starvation..... Nothing worked. I battled with myself everyday. I hated to go anywhere because I didn't want anyone to make fun of the way I looked. When people were out having a good time and laughing, I assumed they were laughing at me. I hated my life.

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

I hated the way i looked. (fat & ugly)

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

Playing with my son. Running, playing raquetball. Having sex with my husband is better and easier!!!!

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

I had a friend go through the surgery and saw the results. I knew after that, that I wanted it.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay was awful. Not the pain, but the hospital staff was awful. The initial pain after surgery when you first wake is terrible. After awhile it became tolerable. I was only there for 3 days. Thank God!

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

The only complication I had after surgery was that a few sutures were being rejected and were coming through my incision a few weeks after surgery. I just went back to the surgeons office and they pulled them out.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Initially, I mourned food. I felt very tired the first week, but believe it or not I went back to work the following Monday, seven days after surgery. I was fine after that!

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

We have a support group that meets every second thurs. of each month. I have 3 friends that have had the surgery, and we give each other support.

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

My scar is very short. It is smaller than most that I have seen, bot it did keloid a bit and is puffy at the top of the scar. Honestly, I thought is was going to be bigger.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been the same weight now for 6 months. Alot of it has to do with the fact that I haven't exercised the way I should be, and I am eating a little more than I was. So, the weight doesn't just "melt away" anymore. I have to work at it now just like everyone else.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Peolple treat me very differently now. Men take more notice, and people don't look at me like I am a disgusting pig!
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