Kathy B.

  • BMI 31.9

Obesity & Me

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

I have been heavy since I was about 4 years old. I have lost weight in large amounts so many times that I cannot even count them. It was horrible always being the fat one. No one else in my family growing up had a weight problem although one of them now does. I had such low self esteem from being heavy that I covered it up with humor. However, when there was no one else around, I cried about it rather than laughted.

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

Constantly being made fun of and even having my mother make remarks about how fat I was. I struggled with weight all of my life until I was 54 years old. It is unbelievable the suffering that being overweight can cause a person.

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 was not restricted before even though I was heavy. Now I just enjoy looking better in my clothes.

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

I saw something from another person who had the surgery and was immediately interested. I then found the many web sites online and soon learned a lot about it. My initial impression was that I HAD TO HAVE THIS SURGERY.

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

Since I was in a foreign country, I had the surgery in Spain, it was very difficult for me. I didn't bring much of anything with me to the hospital but it was important to have the support of my husband there.

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

Yes, I had complications and had to have additional surgeries. It was very difficult, but now I am doing very very well.

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

I felt horrible and was fraid that I might feel this way for the rest of my life. I coped with the anxiety through prayer and the support of my spouse.

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

The support I have now is through the groups on the internet. However, it is no longer as important as I feel normal again and other than being thinner, there is nothing more that I need.

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

My scar is not too bad and it is just as I thought it would be. I am not ashamed of it at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I no longer am losing any weight 2 years after surgery. I guess that although it might sound like I still weight a lot, that I am the size that my body wants to be.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Of course they do. No one likes an obese person and they feel very uncomfortable around them. However, around my fat friends, they no longer associate with me.
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