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Obesity & Me

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

I was fighting a losing battle -- my weight kept going up and attitude was losing

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

Lack of any desire

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

Walking! Fitting into smaller sizes! My energy level!!

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

A TV commercial then I asked a Doctor about it

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

I had no problem with getting my surgery covered. The province of Ontario is funding this procedure with certain conditions

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. I had some complications. My stay in the hospital was good. I had a good roommate and the staff took good care of me. Important things to bring to the hospital are CPAP if needed, clothes to go home with, prescription medicine, toothbrush and paste, any grooming items.

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

The only complication I had with my surgery was weeping from one of the incisions. The Doctor put in some more stitches.

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 nervous and excited at the same time. I coped by reminding myself of the reasons for the surgery.

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

The first few weeks were boring! I wasn't allowed to do anything around the house -- my family wouldn't let me! I found it easier to do the things I was allowed to do. I didn't miss food! (Liquid diet)

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

My family, friends and doctors were my support group. I also used Obesity Help chat. It is really helpful and important to have a support group because it is easy to slip back into the old ways of eating. I still need support even after 3 months.

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

My scars are about 1/2 inch in length or less. I have 6 of them. If you use bio-oil on the incisions after the stitches come out, the scars will fade. I hardly notice them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost 40 lbs. since my surgery and find that my weight loss is slowly down. I am only losing about a 1/2 to 1 lb a week. At this point, it is easy to get frustrated with the weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice more people looking at me now. They are amazed at how much I have changed in my appearance and energy level.
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