Helene S.

  • BMI 32.3

Obesity & Me

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

I am 41 years old and been overweight for the past 24 years... All I've done during that time was dieting and doing the yo-yo. At 41, it was time for me to get over that and think of something else in my life. Get on with my life and think of me. The surgery will do that. I'm only 2 months post-op and it has already change my life.

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

The way people acted with me. I am such a nice girl and have a beautifull smile... that's all they were saying. They probably taught that it was a shame that I was overweight. It's all new to me, I have lost 50 pounds and already people are acting in a different way and that is bugging me. It's like if I now exist!

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

To walk my dogs without knees pain!!!

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

In 1994, a friend of mine told me about it. And in my opinion, it was the only solution for me.

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

I was at the Royal Victoria in Montreal, Quebec, which is a university hospital. All the staff was very nice. I've stayed there 6 days. In Quebec, hospitals are owns by the government, and our health care system is having problems... so a good pillow, tissues, and little things, like body lotion or soap made my stay more comfortable.

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

Like I said before, I consider myself very lucky, no complication 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 could not wait to get it done ! I was a little anxious, but very confident. I had a lot of support from my friends and family. And I guess that they tolerated my mood swings because they knew how important it was for me.

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

The support group meets every first Wednesday of the month. Unfortunately, they meet in Montreal and I live in Quebec City, a 3 hour drive. So I did not attend any meeting yet. I'm looking for one in Quebec. This site is my support group!

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

It's about 8 inches long and not too bad at all! Frankly, it was not a concern at all for me. First I taught I would not wear a bikini with that scar, but I've change my mind... Why not!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It's only 2 months since my surgery, I've lost 48 pounds. But this week nothing... and I am wondering if this is my first plateau??? It is bothering me a little, but I have to be realistic, this won't be the last one. So I'm learning to deal with my scale!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and this is the worst part for me. I did not change inside, I'm still the same woman. It's only the body that is changing! I am learning to cope with that, and it could be my biggest challenge!
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