Pittiemama77

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been overweight almost my entire 34 years. In my family, we didn't focus on eating healthy, it was really about eating whatever was on sale that week at the store. There was a lot going on in my childhood, most of it beyond my control. My dad was abusive, both physically and mentally, and my mom wasn't able to leave until I was about 12 1/2 yo. I can pinpoint most of my eating binges to feelings of anxiety, fear, and situations where I feel out of control. I never really thought about what I was doing, mindless eating is just too easy for me. This perspective changed a few years ago, starting with a trip to Las Vegas with my husband. We were going to go on this really cool 3D ride at a casino and I couldn't buckle myself into the ride. We ended up leaving and I went and hid while my husband went to see about a refund. I was humiliated and embarrassed. I stayed in denial about my weight, telling myself that my husband, family, and friends love me the way I am and that was enough. My blood pressure has slowly been getting more out of control even with meds and my weight has topped off at 350 pounds. My knees and shoulders hurt all the time, and I just can't keep up with others when walking. I have had enough!! No more fear about failing the next diet, about looking out of place when I travel for work, fitting into airplane seats. I'm in this life to win and to have a life worth living, bariatric surgery is going to be my ally in this fight.

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

The worst thing for me is that I've wasted a lot of life worrying about fitting in with other people, clothes, and restaurant tables. Things that at the end of my journey won't even matter. The hurt feelings I've harbored for years has only eroded my self esteem and made me doubt myself. Being called names and being made fun of was humiliating. Thankfully, I have realized that if I hadn't experienced those things, I might not be the person I am today. Smart, compassionate, and now a fighter for a great life.

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'm currently schedule for roux en y on 10/29/2012, so I can't really answer this yet.

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

My best friend in high school had roux en y about 10 years ago, she is still maintaining a healthy weight. I was Leary of the surgery, thinking it was too dangerous with a lot of complications.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I was approved on my first try, I think it helped that before I started the process I reviewed my insurance company's requirements, so there was no shocks along the way. This meant going to my PCP once a month for 6 months, attending nutrition appointments, and opening myself for a mental health appointment. Also, my surgeon has a bariatric coordinator who assembled the paperwork and did the insurance submission.

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

My first visit with Dr. Curie was encouraging and very relaxing. I was really nervous but by the end of the visit, I was cemented with my choices. I would suggest reading up on your procedure, diets, complications, and having your questions wrote down beforehand. Bring a pen and paper to write down the answers. Also, no question is stupid! This is your life and you deserve honest and accurate answers before deciding what is the best option for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I decided that living a life of fear was no life, and that I accepted I couldn't make the changes on my own. I did a lot of online research and soul searching before committing to the surgery.

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?

This was my largest hurdle to jump. I have a phobia of needles and death. I wrote down the bad things I was experiencing now, what was probably going to happen if I didn't make the surgery commitment and what were the likely positives. Once I saw these pros n cons in writing, the decision to have the surgery became reasonable and sound. If you follow every piece of instruction from your surgeon and open yourself to the commitment of this life change, the risks of dying are decreased. Think of your life down the road, 15, 25, 35 years from now. What is worse, taking a chance at a life with less regret or living with pain and debilitating conditions? Choose your best life, you're worth every ounce of effort!

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 husband and sister have been completely supportive about surgery. They are asking questions and are on the look out for protein drinks I can try. My close friends have also backed me up. They have been sharing their own experiences, relaying stories and tips, and are just there for me.

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

My boss has been incredibly supportive. There's not one bad thing I can even think of writing about her. She's been great with my taking time off for the pre-op appointments, the full time off I'm going to need and easing me back into work.
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