armywife721

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

I was unhappy all the time.

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

The stares and comments

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

I am still very much a heavy girl. But with each pound I am getting more confident. I am excited to go go cart racing amoung other things.

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

A few years ago a friend had it

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

My meeting was okay. She went over my files, told me a little about it and gave me a list of appts to make.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't loose it on my own

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon thought the gastric best for me

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 was pretty scared all around. I was more worried about dying on the operating table then anything else.

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 parents really didn't understand what the surgery was all about or why I didn't do the lapband instead. My husband was supportive 100%.

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

The first 3 days I was on morphine. The last 2 days my pain was managed. I was a little uncomfortable and alot homesick. I barely opened my suit case. If your female pads because the stress of surgery can make you start early. And a pillow.

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

none

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 stressed and worried. I talked to other ladies who had and relied alot on my husband.

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

Alot of soreness and being uncomforable

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

2 hours. I travel 2 hours for each appt for my post op as well.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I had my gallbladder out at the same time. So that does effect somewhat what I can and cannot eat. So far tomatoes, broccoli, and mushrooms do not settle well.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

LOW. I had no engery and slept alot

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

calcuim and muli vitamin

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

the vomiting and the soreness has lasted about 6 weeks.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Watching my husband eat mexican a few days after my surgery the chaplin's wife brought him. The smells of certain foods I couldn't eat. And the throwing up was awful.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

There is no support programs here. I talk to friends who also have it and we support each other.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I knew what to expect with the open but looking at it bothers me more then I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In the first few weeks the weight dropped off. Now its only a few pounds a week compared to 4 every few days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get lots of complients from my friends
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×