Testimonial
I can't begin to tell you what a difference this weight loss surgery has made in my life. I have had a very individual response (physically) from the surgery because I am 6 years post-op now and still haven't had any regain in weight. As a matter of fact, I have continued to loose. My sister had the DS as well about a year before I had mine, so I had her results to compare. Our surgeries were in no way alike, even though it was the exact same proceedure. She breezed right through her surgery with very little pain and I thought I was going to DIE!! It was extrememly painful and for about the first 2 months, I thought, "WHAT HAVE I DONE"? Please don't stop reading there... it took me about 2 1/2 or 3 months for my system to get used to the 'new ways'. Everything felt the same.. gas, hunger, needing to go to the bathroom... it all hurt. HOWEVER- I have said through the entire process that I would go through that every day if it meant that I could have my life back. At the same time that I was being annoyed with the adjustment in my digestive system- I was also getting relief from some of the pains of obeisity. I used to wake up every morning with my back hurting and my fingers and legs swollen. That stopped very soon into the recovery. It was a welcomed trade off. I would still do it 10x again to have the freedom that this surgery has given to me. I do fancy things now like tie my own shoes and sit in chairs with arms on them. Only people who have suffered with obesiety understand what I am talking about. I rode a ride at Dollywood for the first time in YEARS! When all of the kids were begging me, "Come on Aunt Kathee, ride it with us"... I gave my staple answer of "Honey, I can't" And while searching for my excuse of the day, it hit me.. "WAIT- I CAN!" I don't have to lie anymore- the bar WILL close over my stomach and I don't have to risk the embarrisment of having to get off the ride if it doesn't. I felt 10 years old again.

I have spoken with alot of people over the years who are considering some type of weight loss suregery and I try to encourage every chance I can. Everybody's response and progress as well as achievements are individual. My experience is that you can't really be "prepared". Its amazing what you go through psychologically post op. I had what I call "fat head" for years. Even after I was a size 12, whenever I walked into a store- I automatically went into the plus size area. I would find what I liked in the usual size 26 (if they even had anything), and on my way to the dressing room it would hit me! I need a smaller size now! I would have to start shopping all over. I still remember my first pair of button fly jeans. I felt like a super model. Aside from the vanity issues surrounding weight loss- I remember going out and getting all tie shoes. My closet had previously been filled with mules and flats, nothing that required me to bend over to tie. It just wasn't going to happen. I still to this day will look at a chair (especially if it has arms on it) and think, "will I fit- will it hold me" (and I am a size 8 now)? I sit cross legged ALL OF THE TIME now- just because I can. I rode on an airplane this summer and still held my breath when I went to fasten the seat belt. These are all things that alot of people don't even give a second thought. Even after you loose the physical restrictions of obeisity- the psychological scars remain. But, it helps you to appreciate and be thankful for the simple things in life. I'm sure everyone reading this testimony can associate with the same fears that I had.. and they still pop into my head when least expected even though I am not physically limited anymore.

The day of my surgery I was 308 lbs and today I am 147. I eat in excess and whatever I want! This has NOT been the case with my sister and some other people that I have spoken with. Just goes to prove that result WILL vary. The DS surgery FOR ME has been unbelievable... food has taken an entirely different priority in my life now. When I was big, I dreamed of being able to sit down with a bag of chips and just eat the whole thing without getting fatter. Now I can- and for some reason... don't want to. Its like it took the taboo off of eating so it wasn't as thrilling. I eat to live now and not live to eat. If I am really craving something- I eat it. It's like my body knows when to say.. "That's enough". I don't have to eat the entire bag of chips to feel satisfied anymore. And as sad as it is to attest to- people really will treat you differently. I have been given several opportunities at life that I am convinced would have never taken place if I were still big. My "system" will be different for the rest of my life and I have learned to adjust. I will always need to take vitamins and supplements- but that's alot better than having to take medication for diabetes &/or heart disease. I tell everyone that is considering weight loss suregery that the risks are theirs to determine... each person knows the risks associated with surgery and will be told the appropriate risks specific to weight loss surgery. But they know how FAT has hindered their life- and where the continued obeisity will take them. At that point, they can weigh the pros and cons. Ask yourself, what do I have to loose and what do I have to gain? FOR ME, it was worth the risk of surgery. But just know that the fantasy of walking around in a bikini is further out of reach than just loosing weight. This really needs to be a health decision and not a vanity issue for anyone considering it. Remember that the grass is always greener and to paint your own pasture. I remember being overweight and looking at my skinny friends and thinking, "If I weren't so fat, I would soooo wear that". Well, I am a size 8 now and STILL have body issues. I don't have a butt anymore and my breasts are GONE! It seems as though I can't be satisfied (ha ha). I used to curse my big butt, now I am shifting back and forth on my tailbone and wishing I had a padding. The things you think about when you are big are definately skewed. The "issues" you have post-op are ones that you would never think about. Some people have issues with certain things and others don't. Be realistic with yourself and your expectations. Do this for the RIGHT reason. And know that you will still have to be proactive with your health. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that you find the same sense of reward and are as happy with your decision to have/not have the surgery as I have been.