Corrie Mathis Bravely Awaits her Weight Loss Surgery with Excitement

Bariatric Surgery is usually the last resort for those who have been struggling with weight loss. Particularly those who have tried anything and to no avail. Regardless of it being the last resort, it is the most effective. Patients who have tried diets, gym memberships, trainers, strict workout routines, weight loss medications, generally lose weight and then quickly gain it all back and then some. Weight loss surgery is what they turn to and afterward live a happy, healthy life and feel so much better about themselves. Not just because of their weight loss success, but because of their bravery, and their hard work to get where they are. These patients go the route less traveled, and often the path that is most ridiculed. They get through the harsh opinions, the scary surgery, and come out the other side feeling optimistic, and seeing results. They become the person they always felt they were on the inside, and prove to themselves that change is possible, and that has made all the difference in the way they see themselves. At the end of the day, it is about you, nobody's opinions matter but yours when it comes to your life and how you want to live it.

Corrie Mathis has significantly struggled with depression and anxiety due to her weight.

“All my life I've been a thick chick. I've always felt self-conscious and uncomfortable in my own skin.”

Struggling with low self-esteem and poor body image has led her to comfort herself with food. In fact, she thinks of food as a crutch, something to help her get through the stresses and traumas of life.

“Weight was the thing that abusive men have used to hurt me. In an argument, they would call me fat because they knew how self-conscious I was about it. So then I just started calling myself fat all the time so that others wouldn't.”

Corrie's weight has always seemed to fluctuate up and down through yo yo diets, and exercise regimens. She never saw consistent results and grew tired of the fight. Her health, however, has been excellent and she feels that it contributes to using food as a crutch.

“I have been pretty blessed health wise. I think that has aided me in continuing to eat so badly. I think if I had diabetes or high blood pressure I would have taken my weight seriously sooner.”

Corrie decided to have weight loss surgery recently and has been preparing herself for the upcoming life-changing event.
 

“I knew it was right because I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I know I don't have the discipline necessary to work out and stick to a strict diet. VSG is my best option. Some loved ones have been supportive, some have said that I'm not big enough to have surgery, or that I'm crazy for going to Mexico to have surgery. I've never been one to care for the opinions of others, so forget them, lol.”

Corrie has gone through surgeries in the past and has understandable fears going into all of them, this surgery is no different, but though she is afraid, she is determined.

“The biggest struggle has been wrapping my mind around not being able to use food as my comfort anymore. I won't be able to hide my feelings and fears behind food anymore. I plan to stop my sweets 3 weeks in advance since that is my biggest addiction, then will do the routine 2 weeks pre-op. I have been talking to my friend Lindsay a lot. She has had the same surgery and has been fully preparing me for it. Other than that I have been shopping and getting my kitchen ready for the change.”

Corrie has been spending time remembering the reasons why she decided to have the surgery. She looks back on things she wishes she would have done had her weight not been a factor for her.

“I wish I would have enjoyed the beach more. One of my favorite places. I would often sit and would stay covered up. It wasn't until about 40 that I said to myself, I'm big but I will enjoy my favorite place and will wear the bathing suits I enjoy. I'm still struggling with my self-image. I plan to continue therapy, even after my surgery. Healing has to take place in every area of your life. Not just the outside. This healing has to be physically and mentally.”
 

Corries friend Lindsay says:
“I think it takes amazing courage to go forward with the surgery. It means admitting that we need help and we are willing to accept it. It means being open to growth and a new chance at living life. I think Corrie will be amazingly successful at this because she has the drive and determination to succeed at everything she does."
 

The thought that this will be a lasting change, that it will be “for real this time,” is so encouraging for Corrie. She is excited to feel better, and to live a life that she hasn't been able to live thus far.

"I am excited to have more confidence about the way I look, and to be able to enjoy time doing more adventurous activities. The first thing I want to do is find a beach and just lay out all day. I really want to skydive. It's something I could never do before, and I am such a daredevil. I have just always been too big to skydive. It's something I really want to do.”

Corrie is awaiting her surgery date, and we look forward to checking back in with her after to see how things have changed for her. Good luck Corrie, your adventure awaits you. From everyone at Pompeii, we look forward to helping you with this change.