wayne C.

Obesity & Me

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

I tried every weight loss program, Weight Watchers, Pills. Soup diets, than just said the hell with it, if I'm big so be it.

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

Being shut out from every thing that life has to ofer because you can't set in a chair,your to big. Your family - well they just don't know you. they think being fat is because you want to be. Being stared at. Listening to little kids saying boy your fat, and watching mom tell them thats not nice. Having to have some one help with your personal care. Being told your going to die because your so big and wishing you would.

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

Sit in a chair, and wipe my own butt

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

I moved to VA. And my new family Dr. recomended it. He was the first to help me, and show some ture caring. This was to be my last try at weight loss. He put me in touch with Atlantic surgical Associates and I went from there. I made up my mind that this and I where not going to fail.

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

I had no prpblem with insurance. My Dr. sent the paper work and they aproved it.

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

My first meeting went very well. He showed me a film of the procure, and just what he expected from it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tried of hiding in my house

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The proceedure was recomended

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 had no fears of having complications, but was concerned about being sick not knowing how much to eat

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 family wre glad I was tring this procedure after hearing how well it worked on Carly Simom. I have no family close to me but my wife. Barb had a stroke and I take care of her and she loves my weight lossand is very supportive of me.

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

I retired in 1997 because of my weight problem. I could no longer do my job.

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

None

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

Not bad. right down the middle

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes
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