Anne G.

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Obesity & Me

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

I battled my weight gain in recent years with various programs: Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutri System, etc.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is losing my independance--not being able to take care of myself properly.

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

My daughter! I am the best mom ever now..........besides being able to take care of myself better, I am so much more able to mother my daughter in a healthy way!

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

I did plenty of research and my sister had the surgery.

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

I had no problems with this aspect of the surgery preparation. Everything was easy and fast.

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

Please see my hospital review. I had a BAD hospital experience--even though my surgeon was excellent and the surgery was uneventful.

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

No

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 both excited and nervous. Please feel free to read my journey.

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

I was feeling well in general. I did not expect the tummy pain to be what it was for a few weeks. It felt like I had been punched in the belly------I was sore.

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

25 minutes

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 was on liquids.......I basically had broth a lot.....no sugar.....and I had a detailed list from my surgeon of dos and don'ts. Protein shakes have been very important after the first few weeks of surgery. I still have them, although not as many, since I can get in solids now. The major rule: protein and raw veggies first.

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

I could walk around slowly and then better.

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

So many I can not list.........my doctor provided a list.

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

My support group is available to me and I paid for it. It has not been at a convenient time for me since I have a toddler. I have attended 3 times since the surgery.

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

It is not bad at all!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since month 10 or so I have been losing very slowly.......but I am still losing!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! People who never knew me smaller think I am losing too much......People have known me for many years are happy to see the old me.......with an even better smile and attitude!
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