GodisGood

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Obesity & Me

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

My emotional battle was the hardest... im 22yrs old and ive always dreamed of being a pediatric nurse... i love working with children... and i couldnt attend college, because for one i couldnt fit in the seats and two the college i was goin to attend had alot of walking, and it became to a point where my knees and ankles would swell up and hurt... i used to be depressed about my weight, i had no confidence, i felt too fat to be able to do anything in life... its hard... this surgery is goin to be truly a life changer for me... =)

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

id have to say being uncomfortable... physically, mentally, and emotionally...

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

Just bein able to move around.! im more flexible.! i can fitt in chairs.! i can runn a lil... walk alot.! im happy.! energetic.! confident.! ahhh so0o many things.!

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

i found out back sometime in 2001-2003? and my first impression was!!! I am going to gett this surgery!!!

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

my insurance gave me a hard time... all i can say is be patient... as for myself, i prayed to God, had faith, and he answered all my prayers... Thank u Jesus!

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

the first meeting with my surgeon, was very good... he was a good dr... very funny... *he told me after my surgery i can go dance for usher* lolz

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

ive been wanting this surgery for yrs... it just wasnt when i wanted, but when God wanted...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

well the lap band, wasnt a good choice for me, being that i have more than half my weight to lose... the by pass was the one 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 have no fears... i have faith in God... he is my strength, my shield, even my surgeon... thank u Jesus! id tell everyone else Cast all ur cares on Jesus, cause he cares for you...

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 family and friends ARE scared.. but i tell them not to fear, because God's in control!!! Hallelujah!!! but all in all they are pretty supportive...

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

my employer's are like family... so they are 100% supportive... they are with me all the way... i get my surgery in 2 weeks, so we'll see how long ill be out... =) but they are not rushing me and completely understand.... =)

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

I stayed in the hospital 2 nights.? my stay was ok... the first night was the best... i was spoiled rotten,, 2nd day they pushed me to the STEVENS floor... was so0o depressing and lonely down there... lol

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

None @ all... Thank God.!

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

the first week was horrible.! i cried all the time.! i cried cause i DIDNT want to eat,, cried cause people told me i was looking great.! i was an emotional wreck.! than i gott over it.! lol i prayed and GOd delivered me.!

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

My first few weeks were good... i was back at work 5 days after my surgery... was a little weak,,, but all the protein really picked it all back up... its hard,, but its so worth it... its mind over matter.! u can do it.!

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

uhmm not farr @ all... like 30mins...

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.

the first 4 months or so,, i was on chicken,, tuna,, shrimp,, etc... protein protein protein.! yucky.! all meats.! now im 6 months out and i can eat whatever i want... just small portions and not very fattening foods...

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

the first few days i was weak.. so i had no energy... id say for the first 3 weeks... now im grrrrreat.! i have tons of energy.!

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

1 Vitamin A daily 1 Multi Vitamin daily 1 B12 Two Times A Week 2 Calcium pills Two Times A Day 2 8oz Protein Shakes A day

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?

None @ all... Thank God.! ive had no problems.! none @ all...

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

not being able to take bigg sips of water... still sucks til this day... lol

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

Everyone on OH has been my main support.. than my friends and family.. .its been very helpfull to know i have people on OH who i can talk to that can actually relate to me...

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

i love my 5 tiny little scars.! they mean alot to me.! they changed my life.! theyre small,, and only i can see them... i thought theyd be ALOT bigger.!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.! 6 months out and i hope i dnt have any.! lol

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yupp.! they want me around more.! but idc.! i myself am happy.! so thats all that matters.!
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