 | Gastric Bypass | 2004 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery My serious weight problems didn’t start until I turned 18. Two beautiful babies later, lots of extra weight, a multitude of diet attempts and I was at the end of my rope. I knew that I had to do something. I was becoming very depressed and withdrawn. |
I was so unhappy and hated myself. I did not want to go anywhere, make eye contact or even see my own friends. I was to the point where I had no more will power. I would not even last two weeks on a diet. I was so tired of setting myself up for failure. I just could not do it anymore on my own. I had tried so many times and just did not have it in me anymore.
Making the Decision
I started researching surgery and program options in February of 2001. When I told my mother that I was considering weight loss surgery, she talked me into Medical Weight Loss instead. It actually worked…for a while. I lost 100 pounds, but the minute I stopped the diet, my body was like a sponge and I quickly regained the weight that I worked so hard to lose and then some. In October of 2003, I made my consultation appointment. I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing, not even my husband. I needed to find out if I was a candidate first. Although my BMI was high enough, I didn’t have any medical issues besides sore joints.
I was happy and humiliated to find out that I was a candidate. Happy for the hope that the surgery offered. Humiliated because I had to admit to myself that I was that big. It was time to tell my husband of my future plans. He was great–so supportive. He just wanted me to be happy.
I proceeded with all the testing and clearances and scheduled my surgery. I didn’t tell anyone but my husband that I was having surgery. I couldn’t take the chance that they would talk me out of it again.
How My Life Has Changed
As my size went down, my confidence came back. I felt like the “old Carey” was coming back. After I lost 125 pounds, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Vincent DiNick, a plastic surgeon. What a great doctor. I had a tummy tuck and a breast lift. I walk by a mirror and I can’t believe it’s me. The icing on the cake. Dr. DiNick made such an impression on me that I decided to work for him. I now help other people look great.
To Those Considering Bariatric Surgery
This has been quite a journey for me. I worked hard to get where I am and I will always have to work to maintain my weight. The surgery was a tool, not an easy way out. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to have surgery at Barix and plastic surgery with Dr. DiNick.
