Brad S.

Obesity & Me

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

My emotional battle was just like everybody else low self esteem and I just resigned myself in being overweight until I couldn't walk and breathe at the same time. That's when I decided for the surgery.

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

The idea the world looks diferently at you after the weight loss is awful because people are so cruel before the loss of weight afterwards is a great feeling to be able to look at those people and know you are better than what they think they are.

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 AND BREATHING

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

I found out what is it was called from a friend then I search that name on the net and found the Dr. Butler and I was scared at first and I didn't want to have the surgery until I spoke with the doctor who made me feel secure about the surgery.

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

The first visit was frightful but, my doctor helped me and made me understand the importance of having the surgery was not because he was going to do the surgery but, because I was dying. This meeting should get all your questions answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The doctor convince me I was dying

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By asking all the questions I could and getting the answers

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 finally figured out that my obesity was going to kill me anyway but, the doctor assured me that he would not do the surgery if I was not healthy enough and that is important that your doctor is good and not worried about money.

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?

My mother thought I was crazy and wouldn't come to the hospital but, now she is so happy that she can put her arms around me.

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

4 days and it was great

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

BLOOD CLOTS had to go to hospital and go on medication. but only for 6 months

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

OVER A HUNDRED MILES AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN

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

Our support group is great just really far to travel to every month so this page should help.

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

The scar is nothing compare what would have happened without the scar

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far it has been only 3 months NONE EVEN AFTER 6 MONTHS

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

THEY SEEM FRIENDLIER
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
×