CJ Triplett

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Obesity & Me

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

Before the surgery I was a very outgoing and fun person, I was very active and had like so many others tried a variety of different weight loss methods. None of which really worked. Emotionally I was pretending to be ok, but whenever I really looked in the mirror or saw a photo of myself I became more and more depressed. I hid the depression pretty well for the most part, but after time everything wears thin. I had attempted to have the surgery about 7 years ago, but at that time NO insurances were really covering it. It was a very hard thing to be told that you were a morbidly obese female, and then have them tell you there was nothing that they could do about it.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is that although people told me pretty regularly that they didn't think that I needed the surgery, whenever I went to the park with my family I would sit on the park bench and read or go to the car and sleep. I was with my family, but not really being a part of my family. Another thing was the fact that even though I exercised I would lose about 10 lbs max, and then couldn't lose any more. It is so hard to give 100% and get nothing in return.

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

The thing that I enojoy most now, is really being a part of my family. I am not ashamed to be in swimsuit and I am not even close to my goal weight yet. I actually bought a shirt from ClothesTime and that has NEVER happened. I guess I just like the feeling of being normal. By being normal, I mean not having to go to a "special" place to buy clothes. Victoria secret is a wonderful thing!

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

I learned about bariatric surgery about 7 years ago, and my initial impression was where do I sign up. I went to a couple of seminars and then decided to do it only to be turned down by my then insurance company. It has been a seven year voyage for me to get to where I am today, happy and getting healthy!

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

I stayed at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. I have to say that the care that I was given was supurb. My nurses took excellent care of me and I thank them for that. My hospital stay was two and half days and I could not believe how well I felt the day that I was discharged. I believe that the most important things to bring to the hospital are a positive attitude, the will to get up even though you may not feel like it, and the knowledge that you have made a life changing decision.

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

I have been very fortunate, I have had no complications with my surgery

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 had my surgery on a Wednesday and could have very well gone back to my job the following Wednesday, however there was a 2 week minimum time off. I was up and around and walking about four miles a day my second week of surgery.

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

I belong to the bariatric support group at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. This support group is very helpful. I attended the support groups for five months before I actually had my surgery and I am very glad that I did. By attending the support group I was able to hear the good and the bad about following or not following the program. I have decided to follow the program to the best of my ability because of some of the stories that I have heard at the support group. I believe that the support group is very important, BEFORE and AFTER the surgery.

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

I have five small 1/2 inch incisions. They are not what I expected. I expected far worse. My stretch marks are MUCH worse than the scars from my surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost relatively quickly. I reached a plateau at about 40lbs. It was the beginning of my second month. I didn't know if it was because I was doing weight lifting or what. Eventually I passed the plateau, I just kept working out and DRINKING MY WATER, and everything worked out in my favor.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed a definite difference in the way people treat me, although it is mostly strangers. I have had men drop what they were doing just to open a door for me. I can't begin to tell you how many years I have been opening my own door. The people at work have been so supportive of my decision and have given me much encouragement through the entire process.
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Before & After
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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.

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