DianeF

I was looking for a bariatric surgery support group in my area and came up empty.  Then the online search sent me to Bariatric Pal and I'm happy to be here! 😁

Six years ago, I attended a seminar at my local hospital about bariatric surgery options because I was very interested in the lap band and the fact that they have a reputation for doing things quickly.  The surgeon told me (in front of everyone) that I wasn't the candidate for it because I needed something "faster".  He proceeded to tell me that I needed to "get sexy" to feel better about myself and he'd "see me sexy" in six months.  He made my skin crawl. 🤮 I noped out and instead decided to begin a weight loss program through the hospital.  

My first induction appointment I was told that someone my size should first consider weight loss surgery because I wouldn't do well on the program.  Interestingly, the program began as an accompaniment to weight loss surgery, but most patients didn't want to attend.  So, they began offering it to the public.  I was very excited about it and paid a small fortune for the luxury of being included.  It was all liquid and called New Direction.  I met with a coach once a week and met with a group once a week.  I was on it for a year and lost over 100 lbs.  Then when I plateaued for a full month, they asked me to move to Maintenance for 6 months because I didn't "look like a success story".  They told me that when folks came in, they wanted to see people who were done with it after a year, not people who looked like they needed a few more years of it.  Most folks needed to loose 50-75 lbs., whereas I needed to lose 200+.   I agreed to move to Maintenance and asked to be moved to the Maintenance group.  The coach said I wasn't a good fit there because I hadn't reached my goal.  They basically said, "Come back in 6 months and start over".

I was devastated. 😞 I felt like a complete failure.    I'd lost more than 100 lbs., but felt really unsupported and alone.  So, I quit.  And gained back 80 lbs. over the next 2 years through Covid and everything.  

I finally decided last year that this was it and I was ready to make a permanent change.  I knew I couldn't deal with the surgeon who heads the program at my local hospital because I didn't want to "get sexy", I wanted to make changes.  

I reached out to another program and they have been wonderful!  They take a very slow approach and take it very seriously.  The education was fantastic and the surgeon seems genuinely interested in my success.  

I'm a little loud and boisterous.  I was Class Clown in high school. 🤡 I'm very enthusiastic and have best been described as "hilarious" because I'm quick with a pun/comeback.  I'm loyal to a fault.  My husband 😋 and kids are my life.   

Above all else in my life, I am a Child of God and I love Jesus.