Kara Beggs

Weight gained from drugs given to me by drs when I sustained injuries as well as stress. Drs suggested a gastric sleeve to help when nothing else worked.

2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and...What's the goal?

My scales stopped at 149.9kg, so I could have been heavier. No goal set by my surgeons thankfully, I just wanted to get below pre children weight of 82kg. Currently sitting around 72kg.

3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?

Yes, I got below 82kg. I am focused on health and a healthy weight for my body type.

4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?

I have my good and bad days depending on my osteoarthritis and injuries, but a lot easier to manage and do more things.

5. Where there any problems along the way?

Struggling with body dismorphia, hormones, excess skin issues, catching salmonella Tyohoid from the recalled eggs a few years ago and losing my gallbladder.

6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?

Yes, but I could have been 1 of many who nearly died from complications. I have been very lucky.

7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have notices along the way?

I wouldn't call them inspiring, more like achievements, from the hard work you need to put in to stay healthy while using the wls as a tool, making sure to keep on top of daily supplements and getting enough proteins. It's nice to buy smaller clothes, shoes, bras and underwear and being blessed my hair didn't fall out.

8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?

Not yet, but I'm sure there will be one day. 

9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?

Do your ground work first. Research as much as you can to make informed choices. Look at counselling and meditation to get your head space right before making this life altering change. Have the support from your Family and friends, as it helps with the journey, especially when nervous or scared before surgery. Both my children came to my appointments with me so they had 1st hand information from the surgeons and they asked their own questions to ease their worry for me. Ease onto your pre op diet 4-8wks before your surgery day with extra protein added, to give you best chance of healing/ recovering and take a good quality multivitamin supplement suitable for my needs now, to help with recovery and maintain a healthy immune system before and after surgery.

10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?

Best thing is the food bill, so much smaller, even when eating out, lol. Hardest part is not being able to take different pain medicines any more and not being able to have certain pre surgery foods, but I'm ok with that