slimsweetie2004

BMI 45.1
RNY on 10/06/04

Obesity & Me

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

Ever since my teen years ... I've struggled with being overweight, and it soon lead to depression and very low self-esteem. I tried alot of different diets and programs, just looking for something to make me happy again. Nothing helped. Then I began learning about people who have had the bariatric surgery. I was excited at first. The more I read about it, the more scared, and nervous I became. I soon realized that I was not ready for such a life-changing thing. I've gone through a year or more, of ups and downs, and I finally am to the point, where I am ready. I want to do this more than anything. And I believe that, once successful, and the weight has been lost, I will be so happy again. I am hoping that alot of the depression will be gone as well.

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

The worst thing is feeling sad, thinking others are not picking you, not choosing you, or not wanting to be with or around you because of the way you look. I felt I'd never have anyone truly love me, for me.

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 enjoy walking. It used to be that I'd walk down one side of our building, and my bag and legs would be killing me. I didnt know if I could make it back to my desk or not. But now I can walk laps around the building, and it not bother me. I can tie my shoes without having to get all uncomfortable. I can fit in booths at restaraunts without feeling uncomfortable and squeezed in there.

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

I began working at a company where several people had had the surgery. My initial thoughts were one of extreme excitement. This seemed like a "easy way out", and if it worked for them, it must work for me too!

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

I had my initial consultation visit on 4/5/2004. The insurance company received my pre-determination letter 4/28/04. As of 5/17/04, they had not yet made a decision. I'm trying to remain positive, but, sometimes it is hard to wait. Any advice I would have, is just to not give up. And, if it seems to be taking awhile, call to check and make sure the insurance company did receive the letter. If not, get a name and fax number of someone to fax the information to.

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

The first visit (consultation) was a group visit. It was very informative. My surgeon seems to be very confident in herself, and has been doing these surgeries for quite some time, with low complication rates. She took time to try to explain, in detail, what would happen; what to expect, etc. To get the most out of the meeting, is to ask any and all questions you may have, and to take lots of notes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I've been depressed long enough about my weight issue. I've got alot of heart problems, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., in my family history. I want to take care of this weight before it takes care of me. So, if it can add years to my life, I want to do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am planning on the laparascopic procedure.

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 afraid of all the possible complications, and even dying from the surgery. But once I got to researching this surgery, as long as you do what you are supposed to do, there is a low complation rate. You have to be willing to make the lifetime committment. I wanted to get a surgeon who was well experienced and qualified to do the surgery. One who already had a low rate of complications with patients. If you dont have the surgery, possibly something else that you would come up with, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. could take your life from you just as easily, and prematurely. There is a chance this could change my life for the better, and add years to my life. Thats what I want. Research, research, research, before making any decisions. Make sure you are ready, and doing this for the right reasons.

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?

Most of my family and friends are supportive. I do have a few who are truly questioning the surgery and my decision, but I dont feel they have researched it enough. If they would do their research, then maybe it would calm their fears as it did mine. I wouldnt have communicated anything different. I may would have had them go to the consulation with me, however, so they could have heard my surgeon speak. At this time, I am still pre-op.

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

The hospital I was in, had a special unit just for bariatric surgery patients. And the rooms were private. I enjoyed my stay there, although I was in pain most of the time, and couldnt walk as much as they really expected me too. The staff was very helpful and friendly. I was there from Wednesday afternoon till Saturday morning. Most important to bring - toiletries, and something big and roomy to wear home, since you will have a binder on, after surgery.

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

Yes, a few weeks after surgery, I was vomiting alot, and couldnt keep foods down. I believe this was about the time that I was to start adding more solid foods to my diet. So I ended up having to have an endoscopy done. I was scared going in -- but it ended up being nothing. They put you to sleep, and give you meds so that you remember nothing about the procedure too. I felt like a new woman after this first endoscopy. Then I had to go back in for a follow-up endoscopy about 3 weeks later. It still was nothing - but I didnt feel as good after that one. Hopefully, though, I wont have to have any others. I also was in ketosis a couple of times, and had to end up drinking lots of grape juice (gross!) .. but it helped bring me out of it.

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

The first few days was rough -- I was still in alot of pain. It was hard to sleep or get comfortable. So I spent alot of time in the big recliner. The soft foods got old too -- but I was better once I could add the other foods and keep them down, I was much better. I did stay out 4 weeks from work - although I could have taken 6. I am glad I didnt go back in 2 weeks, because I would have been way too tired and exhausted.

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

I had to travel about an hour and a half to get to the hospital, from my home. This wont affect my aftercare -- as I am committed to it, no matter how far I have to travel. I make sure I go to my support groups too -- which have been really really helpful to keeping me on track.

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 cannt eat much sugar, or I will start feeling ill. I've dumped twice since surgery. It is not a good feeling. I cant have bread, I cant have eggs (which kills me), I cant eat tuna from the can, sometimes chicken will make me sick .... milk I cannot tolerate....I just tried to experiment with different things, and if it made me sick, then I'd stop eating it. I havent found any protein drinks/bars yet that I like. I have no problems though with macaroni and cheese - however some pasta and rice wont sit too well with me.

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

My first few weeks - my activity level wasnt too high, although I did try to get walking in. Once I went back to work at 4 weeks, I was walking laps around the office -- that has slacked off some, now at 19 weeks out. I need to do better! I also started working out on passive exercise beds at 5 weeks out. That has helped alot - I go twice a week. Will try to up that to 3 x a week this summer.

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

I am on a CVS multivitamin, I take Calcium chewables (when I remember), I take B-12 sublingual pills at least twice a week, I take Nexium for heartburn (had gallbladder taken out at same time as surgery) and I take Biotin for trying to minimize hair loss. I also have my anti-depressants that I take.

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?

Nausia and vomiting were the worst for me. I still have problems with them once in awhile, and dry heaves. The hair loss is getting a little worse, but not as bad (yet) as I thought it might be. I am 19 weeks out .. and still once in awhile have the problems with the nausia and vomiting. I just try to hang in there, and tell myself that "this too shall pass".

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

I go to 2 (right now) support groups. They have been immensely important. Its good to interact with others - see what they are going through, and how they cope. And being able to share back. It helps to keep me on track and focused. We are able to share our journeys and never know what part of that might help someone else out.

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

I had the laporascopic surgery -- scars are practically all gone now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateau's since surgery. They are not fun. You get on the scale each day and the scale just doesnt go anywhere, but up and down a few ounces maybe -- for days/weeks at a time. Then all of a sudden, almost without warning or notice, the scale goes down 2 or more pounds. You usually dont even know what triggered it, or that its coming. They are very frustrating. BUT, I guess as long as I am not gaining, that is ok.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really. Except just to mention that I am looking good -- they can really tell now -- etc. etc.

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Before & After
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