Angie T.

  • BMI 28.7
  • VBG on

Obesity & Me

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

I was single and overweight and felt like I would never meet my Prince Charming. I was still a social person but did not feel like a pretty person. I had the pretty face (everyone told me) but not the body to match. I also suffered from asthma and required a daily inhaler for relief. I was never comfortable in my clothes.

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

I feel like people tend to overlook you. My medical problems never became severe due to my obesity but I was stared at and comments were made behind my back.

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 am getting married!!

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

My aunt worked at the bariatric program where I ended up having the surgery done. I thought at first that I wouldn't qualify because there was no way I could be 100 lbs overweight. I was wrong. I had never had surgery and never been in a hospital. Best decision I ever made.

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

Be persistent. Provide as much to the insurance company as possible. Photos, past medical records, a letter from you stating your emotional & physical reasons for wanting the surgery done.

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

If you have a good, caring surgeon he should answer all your questions. He will tell you the pros and cons. Don't be afraid to ask something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My sister had it done before me and I saw her rapid weight loss. I was single and thought I would never get married. I didn't want to spend my life alone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the consultation with the doctor

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 was not afraid of the complications and I felt like I was in capable hands.

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 had a very supportive family. This is very important. The most important thing is having a supportive spouse.

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

I told my employer what I was having done and took 2 weeks vacation.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

children's chewable vitamins

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

from the bottom of my breast bone to the top of my belly button. I was told about the scar. It has healed nicely.
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