The Weight Loss Surgery That Almost Took My Life

*Disclaimer* Carlen Costa will speak about a near-death experience related to a weight-loss surgery in this episode, and she is certified as a psychotherapist. In no way is this health advice for anyone else, she's simply sharing her story. Consult your health care team if you're going through something similar, listener discretion is advised.*

In this episode, Carlen shares her the complicated feelings she held as the 'fat kid' and the story of her decision to undergo laparoscopic gastric band surgery. She discusses the process and risks of the surgery, as well as the emotional and physical challenges she faced afterward. Carlen explores the dark side of weight loss surgery, including the development of an eating disorder. She also speaks about having the surgery reversed, removing the lap band and finding a happier ending to her story. Carlen discusses the challenges she faced before and after the surgery including her struggle to reconcile 'being fat' or being dead, and the long-term results of gastric banding. Carlen also talks about the guilt she felt watching others struggle with the same procedure, the changes in her eating habits, and the impact on her body image and self-acceptance. She closes with some hopeful takeaways about her healing journey and self-discovery. Carlen has more to say about the ADHD diagnosis she mentions for the next episode.

Topics:

• The Decision to Have Weight Loss Surgery
• The Process and Risks of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Surgery
• The Dark Side of Weight Loss Surgery
• The Journey to Removing the Lap Band
• The Concerns of Others
• Reconciling Being Fat or Being Dead
• Long-Term Results of Gastric Banding
• Guilt and Watching Others Struggle
• Changed Eating Habits
• Body Image and Self-Acceptance
• Health Complications and Hospitalization
• Traumatic Experience and Recovery
• Choosing Happiness and Self-Love
• The Journey After Surgery
• Shutting Out the Noise and Healing
• Discovering ADHD and Embracing Self
• Feeling Lighter and Reconnecting with Self
• Anger and Healing Betrayal
• Journey of Self-Discovery
• Advocating for Others
• Choosing Oneself and Finding Happiness
• ADHD Diagnosis and Advocacy
• Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth

Works Cited:

1. Canada, Obesity. “Bariatric Surgery.” Obesity Canada, obesitycanada.ca/managing-obesity/bariatric-surgery/.
2. Pearce, Nicole. “Connected 2020: Perspective on Living with Obesity.” Obesity Canada, 28 Aug. 2020, obesitycanada.ca/oc-news/connected-2020-perspective-on-living-with-obesity/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2024.
3. Public. “Obesity in Canada - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2011, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/obesity-canada.html.