Snugglebugs
The following are Brandy Willison's responses to the Weight Loss Survey:
- Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
- My behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery. As far as I can remember I have always been overweight. I was always bigger than the other kids and was made fun of all the time. My weight is hereditary from my Father's side, but it was also made worse by my emotional eating. I ate because I was teased, I ate because I was depressed, I ate because my home life growing up was not great, I ate and ate and ate. Now I am what I am and very unhappy on the inside because of it. I am happy I am doing this for myself and my family, especially my son. I want to be able to ride a roller coster with him, to feel comforatble going to a restaurant and being able to fit in the chairs or not feel as I am being stared at. I want to have more energy for him and be alive to see him grow up and have a family of his own. I also do not want him to have the same eating habits and lifestyle as me.
- What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
- The worst thing about being over weight is the feeling and The worst thing about being overweight is the knowledge that you are always being stared at. The people that laugh and snicker at you as you walk past. Comments from little kids about how big you are and their parents scolding them. Bless their hearts, they know no better, they are honest, and are only thinking the same thing their parents think but are too kind to say. Not having energy and getting out of breath after walking a short distance. Overall not being happy and care free.
- How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?
- I found out about the surgery from another Co-Worker. She was obese and her mother used to be obese. She showed me a picture of her mom before and after and explained to my what the surgery was and that she was going to have it as well. After that I seemed to hear about the surgery everywhere...Carnie Wilson, Al Roker, etc.. I then decided I would have the surgery too, but I kept stalling. My turning point on finally to quit stalling was when I was at work one day. There was another woman I worked with who was extremly obese. I moved to a different department and did not see her for 3 years. One day I was walking to the bathroom and I passed a lady who said hi to me. I said hello back to her, wondering who she was because she acted as if she new me. Once in the bathroom it dawned on me who she was. She was the obese woman I had worked with, although she was half the size that she originally was. I was amazed because I had not recognized her. At that point I quit stalling and because the process of having the surgery.
- Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?
- I really do not have any advice for people trying to get approved for the insurance stage besides don't give up! I did not have a hard time and was approved after two days, but I have read about others who are having problems. Keep trying and don't give up!
- 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?
- My fears about the surgery are dying. I am terrified of this. I can deal with the pain, not being able to eat, etc.. but I am scared to death of dying once on the operating table. I pray to god everyday that I will not have any problems!
- 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 and friends have been very supportive and are just as excited about the surgery as I am. My husband has been very supportive and has went with me to evey appointment.
