Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
My name is Sarah Watrous. I have been a big child/woman all my life. I was 250 lbs in middle school, graduated at 350 lbs from HS, and when I was in college, I am not sure how much I weighed. In 2005, I met my future husband. I was confident, and I felt awesome. I just completed the medically monitored weight loss program and was set to have the surgery. I had lost 80 lbs on that program; however, I aged off my parents insurance. I was back down to 350. Fast forward past five years of marriage, 1 year of dating, and 1 child, and I was 519 lbs. So I lost 51 lbs before VSG, my surgery was 10/23/12. I have lost 101 lbs since.. total loss 152 lbs. Preop for DS lost another 15 lbs to be 361 lbs..... Which is the most I have ever lost and kept off!!
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
I was not able to do things that I wanted to do. i felt my life was being held back because of my weight. I wouldn't go to a concert or movie for fear I couldn't fit in the seats. Amusement parks, no thank you. Did I want to go, HECK YEAH, but I was afraid, and uncomfortable.
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 can wear most seatbelts without an extendor. I can safely drive most cars. I can ride my trike (4.18 miles Tuesday). I can run... short distances, but it's there. My sex life is better.
I can play with my son on floor and get up easier. I can be there longer for him than when I was super obese.
I am NO LONGER on two types of blood pressure meds. I have normal BP now. I am no longer pre-diabetic. I have been able to wear smaller sizes all though my lower body is still bigger.
sarahjanejarm
