Joshua J.

  • BMI 47.4

Obesity & Me

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

I am 34, and have only lived a healthy life for roughly 4 years total---I lost roughly 260 lbs. between 1998-2001. Unfortunately, I gained all but roughly 30 lbs. back in the past 10 years. Food is like a drug to me.

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

The worst aspects of obesity are the isolation from the larger society, and the social stigmas associated with obesity, as well as the health problems that afflict us as obese citizens.

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

I haven't had bariatric surgery yet, but I am on the way to making it happen. I am nervous, yet excited about the journey that awaits me.

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

Initally, I was a bit skeptical about it, due to watching a friend have the surgery and gain most of her weight back. However, I realize that each situation is different, and hopefully I won't fall into that trap. Regardless, I am hoping to have the surgery so that I can live the FULL, HEALTHY life that I was meant to have.

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

I haven't had a visit yet, but I am excited about it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Thinking about all of the health struggles that I have had for the past 5-10 years. I realize that it's now or never, and I want to live life as freely as I can, and obesity hinders that.

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 am a bit fearful of dying from the surgery, and although there is a slight possibility of death, I KNOW that if I don't deal with my weight issues that I will eventually succumb to them.
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