Melody D.

Obesity & Me

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

All my life I have been through every emotion possible. I would try my hardest to make people laugh just to fit in, and then when I got home frome school I would cry, because I knew that that was the only way I could get friends. Then when I grew up, I went through the I would do anything just to have a boyfriend, just to fit in. I led a very distructive lifestyle, and regret pretty much all my life untill two years ago, when I met my Husband, and now having my surgery. Now my life has meaning.

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

Not feeling like you fit in anywhere, and knowing that your life/health is not going last as long as you would like.

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 a long distance without getting tired, and having more energy.

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

My cousin has surgery 21/2 years ago, and to see how happy she was, and how healthy she has become, really got me thinking. I can do this.

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

Oh my goodness, the staff at Sharp Hospital were wonderful. They tried so hard to get me motivated. I was just so tired, and only got up when I wanted to. The main things that I used, were my chapstick, and slippers, I even went home in the hospital gown.

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

I have had no problems from my surgery, knock on wood.

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 didn't have three weeks, I was approved on day, and then a week later, I was at the hospital having surgery. I was so ready, and had no second thoughts.

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

I have support meetings twice a month, My first one is in a week, and I can't wait to go. My Husband is also a big part of my support.

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

My scars are very little. There are six located on different part of my stomach. Much better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far so good, I have not had a plateau, but that doesn't mean I wont have one.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I haven't gone back to work yet, but I do see that my Mother calls a lot more.
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Before & After
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before photo after photo

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