Cheryl T.

Obesity & Me

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

I fought for a very long time with my weight. It had gotten the better of me and I always put on a front like I didn't care. Inside I was screaming for help. I could never get my weight under control and I had gotten to the point where I couldn't even exercise any more. I was, to put it bluntly, killing myself.

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

Hating what you see in the mirror. The feeling of helplessness. Not being comfortable in your own skin.

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

Too early for that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the doctor and let him decide the process. I knew that any of them would work for me, but that my doctor would know what was best.

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 was extremely scared of dying from the surgery. My family means too much to me to leave them now. I trusted my doctor and I prayed and had prayer warriors on board. I knew that if God wanted to take me home he would and if he didn't then I'd survive. I had faith in my doctor and his record. I did my homework. Mostly, it was faith. I also talked to my husband honestly and leaned on him a great deal.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I've been out for 3 weeks. I told them I was having galbladder surgery. Nothing else is their business.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The emotional side of it has been the worst. My relationship with food and therefore how I handle boredom has changed. No longer do I have the luxury of just eating anything I want, when I want. It's been a source of frustration, but also a great learning opportunity for me. I feel liberated as much as I feel frustrated.

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

I am a member of the March 2004 support group on ObesityHelp. I can't imagine doing this without a support group. You learn so much from them, are able to talk to people who are experiencing the same things you are and you have a sympathetic shoulder to cry on when you need it. I recommend that EVERYONE who has this surgery join a support group. I scoffed at first over the idea, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.

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

My scar is worse than I expected because I wasn't expecting to have open RNY. It is healing nicely though and the doctor did an excellent job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too early for that

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Too early for that.
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