Kathy Fisher

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 seemed to go in circles on a continuous basis. From fad diets to excessive exercise and right back to compulsive over eating again.

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

My knees, my back and my hip pain was absolutely incredible. Emotionally I wasn't happy and I was always exhausted.

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 can walk without feeling fatigued, sore and drowning in sweat. So many things that I do now are effortless.

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

Research on the Internet. My first impression was that it was something that had to fully researched in order to make a proper decision. Spoke to my Doc about going to Montreal and through OHIP..but then decided to go go Stateside to Henry Ford to see Dr Carlin.

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

I was approved by OHIP to go out of country with my first letter.

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

My first meeting with Dr Carlin went very well. I found him to be very personable. I just recommend that you ask all the questions that you have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted off the treadmill of pain and failure and I was ready to embrace change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originally wanted the DS but it was no longer available through OHIP.

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 had more fears about complications than death, however I felt that my surgical team was highly skilled and had confidence that if there were to be any complications that they would be rectified.

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 had questions, but were supportive about my decision and post-op as well.

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

I just told them I had to have surgery and nothing more.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was very glad to attend the information session and learn more about the surgical experience at HFH.

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

My stay at Henry Ford was awesome. I was admitted on Tuesday and left Thursday. I didn't bring much to the hospital but a pair of slippers and a robe.

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 felt way better than I thought I would. I didn't experience any anxiety but if I was to I would reach out to my support group, nutritionist, doctor or if need be my surgeon.

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

People should expect to only do what they feel comfortable and that they should keep themselves hydrated and walk as much as they can. The surgery is a tool ...the rest is up to you !

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

Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan is approx 2 hours away from my home.

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.

Haven't experienced any foods yet that I can't eat. Just have to watch my carbs since too many lead to weight gain. Have to keep my protein up so I can lose weight and they fill me up too. Remember..protein first.

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

I started walking in the hospital the day after my surgery and kept walking from that day forward up to n hour and a half per day. Now I go to the gym :)

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

2 multi-vitamins, B Complex 1,500 of calcium, B-12 and iron daily as well as 50,000 D weekly. I also took 2 pepcid ACs too. Two years out I'm still taking the above but not my weekly D or the pepcid, however I'm back on my reflux med that i took presurgery.

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 expereinced hai rloss, but no one noticde since my hair is so wavy.

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

I found this experience to be a lot less intrusive than I expected. I didn't experience the level of discomfort that I had anticipated.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People now listen when I speak and as well I have more self confidence now.
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
×