Learning to Discover My Voice

by Debera Gau

Spring 2018

When asked to share why and how I became involved with the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and why this organization is important to me, I really had to take time to reflect on that.

On the surface, it seemed simple enough – the OAC’s values and mission reflect my own. As a person affected by obesity, I am passionate about providing education, support, acceptance and advocacy for this disease. It’s important to me that this information comes from reputable sources and has the best interests of its members at heart. In my opinion, OAC achieves that – but is it really that simple?

I thought about my journey that led me to the OAC – a journey that began innocently enough with a routine medical examination. The results, however, would change my life. When my provider told me they were recommending bariatric surgery as a treatment for my obesity, I was stunned. I had always been full-figured, and it never occurred to me that it was a negative thing. When the doctor told me she was recommending surgery, all I heard was, “You are so fat that you need to have surgery to get control over it.” Wow! I actually cried. I felt so alone, so out of control and so ashamed of myself. I decided in that moment not to take my health for granted and take control. And my journey began.

After attending the mandatory education session, I felt a bit better about the idea of surgery – but I still wasn’t certain. I met with the surgeon my primary care physician recommended to me, and my fears were partially laid to rest. It still took a couple months of soul searching, reflection and prayer to come to the decision to go ahead with surgery.

During this time, I questioned if it was appropriate for me to change the body designed for me by God. How dare I and for what purpose? My husband suggested that I may have been placed on this path as a way to help others. I didn’t know how I could achieve that, but it did help me come closer to my decision. The day I met with the surgeon and care team after leaving the office, my husband told me that even if I chose not to have surgery, he could see me working in this field one day. Little did I know that only 18 months later, I would be working in my surgeon’s office as a patient advocate – serving as a voice of the patient within the healthcare team.

In 2012, a postcard was placed on my desk from an organization called the Obesity Action Coalition, inviting me to their Your Weight Matters National Convention in Dallas. The conference was to be held the following week, so it was a bit late for me to attend. I was curious enough to do some research into the OAC, who they were and what this conference was about. I was impressed and thought I might attend the next year.

The following year, I had forgotten about the conference until a friend and fellow bariatric surgery patient asked me if I was planning to attend. I thought, “why not?” I needed the continuing education (CE) credits that the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) required for ongoing staff so they could achieve accreditation as a Center of Excellence. My manager agreed that I could cover the conference registration fees with my education allotment.

I immediately called the hotel and even though the room block was full, they agreed to offer me a room at the OAC’s secured rate. Airfare dropped as well, making attending this conference a possibility. Everything seemed to be falling into place, so I decided this was a message from somewhere that I should attend.

A session was offered regarding advocacy training, and I signed-up thinking that it would be useful in my job role. When I walked into that session, I truly felt welcomed – but more importantly, valued.  I attended that conference expecting to receive education, but I left with so much more. I left with a sense of community and value. I had been the voice of the patient for 10 years, but never really took the time to discover my voice. That advocacy session, as well as the entire conference, taught me that my voice mattered. I mattered.

After looking at a number of ways in which I could use my new-found skills to share my story, I realized that I wanted to be more closely involved with the OAC. So I filled out an application to volunteer in any way that I could.

With the skills and support that I’ve developed by attending the Your Weight Matters National Convention, I have been able to share my story. I’ve had the honor of serving on patient panels at medical conferences, presented seminars for people exploring bariatric surgery as a treatment option and given presentations at local conferences.

I’ve learned that obesity is a disease and not something to be ashamed of. It’s a disease, not a lifestyle. By choosing surgical treatment and adopting a healthier lifestyle, I’ve been successful at treating it.

As a member of the Your Weight Matters National Convention Welcoming Committee, I am able to interact with and welcome attendees to the meeting. My goal is to make each and every person feel that same sense of welcome and belonging that I felt in 2013.

YWM2018 will be held in Denver, and this will be my first time serving as Chair of the Welcoming Committee. I think that I speak for the entire team when I say we can’t wait to see you all there. It’s a time for making new friendships, renewing past friendships and receiving education. Maybe like me, you’ll find your voice. That’s the reason I support the OAC – they helped me discover my voice.

That’s the reason I support the OAC – they helped me discover my voice.

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