CATHY S.

Obesity & Me

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

I have always been obese. Even as a child I was heavier than the other kids. I have taken every diet pill known to man. I would go up and down. Trying to lose weight was very difficult. After I had my second child I was diagnoised with Thyroid Disease. So I had another strike against me. I finally just gave up trying to lose weight. Then I balloned up to 440 pounds. Oh my God!! I couldn't even wipe myself after going to the bathroom. Bathing was very difficult. I have a doctor that is very compassionate. She got me all kinds of bathing utensils to try to help me out. She has wanted me to have this surgery for 2 years. When the cellulitis in my legs caused them to split open and drain and she said that if I didn't do something I would probably lose my legs, I decided it was time to do the surgery but had I waited to long was what I was afraid of. As it turned out I guess I haven't. I feel so much better. I feel like I'm not just a large piece of flab walking around, I finally feel like a human being with a life to live.

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

The way people stare at you is embarassing. Not being able to clean yourself is also embarassing.

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

Walking, walking, walking!!! I can't say that enough. I had gotten to the point that I had to use a motorized cart to go shopping(if I'd go shopping). and now I can walk through the store without getting pains in my back and legs. It's harder to get down some of the aisles with the carts. I can now walk down those aisles. I love walking. I forgot how much I enjoyed it.

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

I used to work in a hospital and thought then about having it. A doctor I worked with talked me out of it. She felt it was too dangerous. That was about 7 years ago. I wish I hadn't listened to her. I could have lost weight a long time ago.

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

My stay would have been better if the care had been better. The patient care was not very good until the doctor hollered at them. I was in the hospital 5 days. I think bringing a pillow and a good book are the most important things to bring.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 mostly spent alot of time on WLS web site. I have to say I got alot of well wishes from people on the web. It was greatly appreciated.

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

I have been unable to attend any support groups because they are too far away.

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

The scar is not as bad as I expected. In fact, since I've lost weight, it's smaller than it was before I lost.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are friendlier. They will come up and talk when before they advoided me.
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