Connie M.

Obesity & Me

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

Since 1989 when I found out I was going to have a baby and wasn't married and then a week after telling my parents I find my mother has breast cancer I began the major battle with weight. I went from 157 lbs when I found out I was pregnant to weighing 206 when I had my son in May of 1990. When my mother passed away in November of 1991 I weighed 220. I stayed that weight until I married in 1996 then boomed within in the next 5 years to 307lbs. I new I was fat but never really cared much because I didn't eat much but I did eat mainly fast food. My life was very sedatare. My son began to worry alot because I was always tired and never wanted to go or do anything at all. THe doctors always mentioned my weight and said I should eat better. I tried everything imaginable from PhenFen to slim Fast, Gyms, Body SOlution, Metabolife, and plenty more. I even purchase a home gym system, rowing machine, health rider, treadmill, ab cruncher and free weights but it did no good. I never really lost a lot so I would always give up. But in 2001 I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia VERY SEVERE I was there for a week. I ended up being dignosed with sleep apnea at this time as well. I knew then I had to change and it had be major if I wanted to watch my son grow up and have any more children. With my weight I could not carry a baby I had a miscarriage in December of 2000. I had thought of a Gastic Bypass in the past but after the seminar I couldn't do it it was to much for me. But after the hospital in 2001 I looked again and this time I was ready and the surgery had changed so drastically.

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

Not doing things with my son. HAving other people always look at me different and not really include me in the groups.

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

Doing things with my son. Like riding bikes, playing tennis, camping, and actually having him when a wrestling match between us cause we weigh almost the same now.

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

I first learned of it with a friend in 1998. At that time it was to much for me and insurance would not pay. In late 2001 I research again and found the LAP RNY and spoke with a friend who has fixing to have the procedure done and decided this time it was right. I did a lot of research making sure it was safe, effective and most of all that I had a terrific professional surgeon as a doctor.

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

I was at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, TX. THe hospital stay was for 2 days only because it was so late the second day before the doctor came in so he just suggested I stay. THe nursing staff and doctor was terrific. They were very informative to me and my family. They did as instructed by the doctor and were there whenever I needed them.

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

I had no complications at all after the surgery.

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 was a little worried but in my mind I kept telling myself that this was the right thing. I knew that if I didn't do this I probably wouldn't be around to see my child grown with his own kids. My health was becoming bad and I was going to the doctors monthly for one thing or another.

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

With Dr. Kuhn they have a WEB site that they use for support along with a monthly meeting. The WEB site is wonderful I don't participate much in it but I always read the letters everyday. If I have problems or concerns I can email them and they will answer. Not only do the patients participate but all the doctors and even plastic surgeons and nutrionists. Then you can also call the office at any time with questions. I think Dr. Kuhn has one of the best support groups I have heard of.

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

I have four little scars. You can see them but they are not bad at all and I am not embassed with them in fact I show everyone the three that are under my breast but above my waist.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I reached 195 I plateau I stayed there for almost 2 months but then boom I started to lose again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes in a big way. Parents of other children talk to me more. People at work look at me differently and notice such a change in me. I LOVE IT IT IS WONDERFUL.
show more answers

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.

Share Now
×