psyphigrad

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  • BMI 33.6

Obesity & Me

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

Before learning about weight loss surgery I didn't think there was any answer for my problem. It was a contant struggle to try to loose weight, and keep it off. To contantly battle with myself on what to eat, and what not to eat.

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

There were two big things, first and most importantly was my inability to do the physical things that I wanted to do. And the other was the social stigma attached to my weight.

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

Fitting into my clothes..

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

I first heard of the surgery by looking up weight loss solutions on line. I was so impressed with the outcomes that people were reporting. And then I met my boss, who had the surgery 5 years ago, and was really impressed.

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

I didn't have any problem getting approved. It was submitted one day, and approved the next. You really need to know what your insurance expects though, so there are no hold ups. Most insurances require a 6 month supervised diet with your PCP, as well as certain tests. Most doctors should be able to tell you this, but a call to your insurance company would be a good idea.

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

My stay in the hospital was ok. I wasn't that impressed with the care. I didn't really take much with me, just a change of clothes, and a book (which I never did read). I wish I had taken chap stick...my lips were so dry. I ended up dehydrated, and stayed two extra days in the hospital (a total of 5). I say most importantly have someone around (a friend or family member) to assist you, and make sure that you have what you need and are taken care of.

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

No I didn't really have any complications at all. As I said I was dehydrated, but that was probably my fault for not getting enough liquid in before the surgery.

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 so excited. I did have some anxiety, and some bouts of crying, wondering if I really would be ok. I talked a lot with my family and friends to ease my anxiety, and read lots of stories online.

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

I expected to bounce right back to my old self after coming home. I only took a week 1/2 off work (I have an office job and figured I would be ok) well I should have taken two weeks. That 1/2 week was a little difficult. I was sore, and tired. You really do need time to heal. It was diffficult to bathe, and deal with the drain, and sleep comforatably..and not being able to clean my house, and do laundry was annoying..I hated that bending over hurt so much. But that only lasted a few weeks, and now I feel really good. Emotionally things have been fine.

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

I have to travel 85 miles to the hospital. when I came home the doctor sent in a visiting nurse to check on me, and then 1 week after surgery I went back to have my drain taken out. I now have to go back for my one month appt, then 6 months, then yearly..the traveling will get hairy when the weather turns, and as we all know gas isn't cheap..but other than that its not bad. There is a number I can call if I have any questions and they will have the doctor call you back.

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 am only 19 days out so I have only been able to have liquids and now pureed foods. I really don't eat. I have had some yogurt, and some soup. Mostly I stick to liquids, protein drinks. I had a scrambled egg once. I really have no desire to eat. So we will see how it goes.

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

At first I was really tired all the time. Now I am starting to get my energy back, and I find myself wanting to move and do things all the time. Since I am not eating I also find a lot of extra time on my hands. Really makes me see how much eating was a part of my life.

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

Nexium, Multi vitamin, Iron, B12, Calcium, and Vit C

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?

I have had no side effects so far.

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

The worst part was that they thought I had a leak (which I didn't) and I had to wait an extra day to start drinking liquids. And being in the hosp for 5 days.

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

Right now the only things I have lined up is my appointments with my surgeon which I think is important to make sure that I am on track.

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

I have small scars, and they look great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Already I see a change and I have only lost 35 lbs. It is sad how our weight affects how people see us.
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