Marion S.

Obesity & Me

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

I have never had the upper hand with my weight. I have always been on the losing end of my weight. I have been thin in the past when I took over the counter drugs or worked out for 2-4 hours a day. Or when I just plain starved myself in high school.

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

The worst think about being overweight is when I look in the mirror and do not know who I am looking at. It surprises me almost everytime I see a picture and realize just how big I am..

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 love to ride my bike, snow and water ski and just fitting in wherever I go... I love to dance with my kids and walk on the beach in shorts and a tankini and not feel like I am an elephant... I love to buy clothes and know what size will fit... I love being in pictures with my family!!! I love having my life back. It has been 10 years and I feel so blessed that I have maintained my weight but more importantly I am a role model for the success of this surgery and I am glad to quiet the skeptics. I know at any moment I could get out of control so that is why I respect what that scale says everyday. Not so much what the number is but that it is the same or within 1-2 pounds of the SAME number EVERY DAY!! I tell people who have done this - the number is irrelevant if you are happy - the key is keeping that number consistant each and every day... So in short what I enjoy doing most is...living....

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

I saw something on television and thought I would never sink that low to have surgery to control my eating... I was sure I could change some other way. I was sure I wasn't like all those other fat people..

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

I asked the surgeon's staff what they required prior to submitting for insurance approval. I tried to get all the other appointments done and have letters at my first appointment with the surgeon. I also had all my records from my primary care doctor with me at the appointment. From my appointment to insurance approval was 49 days. This would have been sooner if the doctor's office hadn't ungone changes in personnel. The insurance approval actually only took 3 days. I beleive this was so quick because I was prepared.

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

I have a binder with all my materials in it and as I read them I write down questions. So when I met my surgeon I was at ease because I had done all my homework and knew exactly what I wanted to know. My surgeon was very gentle and informative. I was also prepared to do whatever he told me to do. I believe this man will save my life in the long run so what he said was very important to me and I am willing to do what he feels is the best thing to do. I know that if I don't do what I am told that the will be consequences I may not be ready for. Go to this appointment with your homework done and medical history in hand. Ask questions that will put your mind at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After all the homework... I realized that I needed help. I realized that after 13 years of trying I needed to make a life change and that I could not do it alone. I realized that I was like all the other fat people that strugle everyday just like I had been.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a change that would be forever. I did not want an option for reversal such has the band. I needed to make a decision and be ready to stick to it for the rest of my life.
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