Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Danielle G.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

I don't even remember when my emotional battles began, but I assume it was at a young age. There are stories about me hoarding food in my room as a child. I assume that I did that because of issues that may have gone unrecognized by my mom. I was overweight as early as grade school and just kept ballooning. In high school I was 100 pounds overweight. Adulthood kept the cycle going with more and more pounds being piled on after losing my first child. I am still and emotional eater, but with the help of the DS, it is easier controlled.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

The worst thing about being overweight was the fear of death. The fear of leaving my child without a mother because I was a heart attack waiting to happen.

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

A previous co-worker had elected to have surgery and I was always fascinated by the things she discussed. It was frightening as well and ened up being years before I took the plunge myself.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Medicare doesn't preauthorize anything, but was fortunate enough to get it approved post-op. My advice is to fight, fight, fight to get this done! Never give up!

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

It was very quick and matter of fact. I was a long way from home and had lots of questions. I made the most out of my appointment time by having a list of questions ready to ask him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want my daughter going to school and being made fun of because she had the fattest mommy. I also didn't want her to go to school and say, "my mommy died".

How did you decide which procedure to have?

At an informational session, the DS was mentioned and as soon as I heard the details, I just knew that it was the only way for me. I didn't want to go through all of this to only regain because of impulse control issues.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I did have a fear of dying and even went to surgery thinking that I was going to. My only advice it that by having the surgery, you may dye. But being obese makes death a certainty.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My entire family was incredibly supportive and they still are.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I was not working at that time.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I didn't have the best hospital experience. My IV infiltrated, my NG tube felt funny in my throat, and I kept throwing up. It wasn't a very good experience for me. I was in the hospital 4 days, could have gone home after 3. For comfort, (because I was being discharged to a hotel) I stayed an extra day. Do not bring anything extra. You will be to tired to read, you will be to tired to do much of anything but drink your water and walk.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I didn't have any complications.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was very nervous, very aprehensive. The reason for that was because I was travelling across country to have my surgery and going to leave behind a young child. I did have lots of thoughts about dying during this time, too. I wrote letters to all of my family and friends just in case.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I was very tired and could hardly hold my eyes open. I am grateful that my husband was able to remain home with me during this time to help me with bathroom issues and to bathe. In general, it was just nice to have him home to pamper me. He would help me shower and then get me back in the chair and I would nap for a few hours. Expect to be very tired and try not to do to much. Walk, eat, and sip, sip, sip.