Peggy G.

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Obesity & Me

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

Ha. I was always aware I consumed food different than the majority. I spent 2+ years as an active and abstinent OA member and from that point forward knew it would take drastic measures. My eating was out of control. When I was younger, my lifestyle and metabolism kept me from being 300+ but as I aged, slowed down and increased intake - 384 came without much effort. ALong with it came the dreaded comorbidities that scared the hell out of me.

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

Going to bed every night wondering if I was die in my sleep or have a heat attack/stroke upon waking.

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

Working out, walking, living, planning my future...all without getting winded.

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

Acquaintences and TV. I hated the idea of surgery. I wasn't fat because my stomah was too big, so what was reduction going to do for me?

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

Easy, breezy. I was blessed.

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

Hospital was outrageous and great. Surgery was Thursday morning, I was home by Saturday afternoon.

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?

Talking, reading, writing. OH and friends were my two godsends!

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

I was slow, tired and sore. Didn't sleep in my bed for 3 weeks. I tried to be a good patient and get in the walking and water.

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

45 miles

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.

To date, everything works aside from tortillas and anything fried. Smaller is always better. I try new things at home when possible. Quantity is key for for me.

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

Walking. Went right back to work. Moved slow, but sure and increased movement every day.

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

Two Flinstones chewables daily. In month 4 I took up 5000mcg of sublingual B. All labs are clear.

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, honest. Hair loss was minimal, started at 3 mos. laster 2-3 mos. wasn't even noticeable to anyone but me.

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

Dealing with rude nurses in the doc office and a system that is broken without any care from the doc or hospital. Long story!

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

Support group through hospital and surgeons group I used. Very important, not 100% effective in my opinion. Would like to have another choice.

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

Scars are slightly darker than my skin tone at this point - I am fair skinned - scar easy. Flat, smooth and not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

A small one within a week or two after surgery. A small one this past month - lost a huge chunk, gained, plateaued.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Most people can "see" me now. At 384 lbs. I was invisible.
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