dawnie28

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Obesity & Me

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

I was a roller coaster ride w/ emotions and trying to lose weight.

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

Not being able to walk with my children and do fun things with them.

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 get outside and play with my kids..I can actually get down on the floor and not worry about how big I am. I can get off the floor w/ no problems.

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

I found out about 8 yrs ago, when some co-workers were geting them done, I was curious about it.

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

I was immediately approved of everything and had no problem getting the stuff done. I say, make sure you have all paperwork saved and copied of anything and everything related to this surgery. It did help me make sure I got approved immediately. Within 1 month of going to the bariatric surgeon, I had my surgery.

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

I did not likemy hospital stay, I felt like I was a statistic and was sent home too early. I was there only 23 hrs. I brought my laptop and loose fitting clothes, which were very important to me to bring.

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

I got sick and called my doctor to deal w/ my issues.

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 first hated the fact I did this to myself, but I did change my depression meds, and felt much better.

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

there is pain, there is times where you question why you did this, but then you realize it was to better yourself. Once you get motivated and realize how much energy you have, then it all becomes apparent to you.

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

I had a friend who was wonderful, who had this surgery as well. My husband was a great support group w/. her as well.

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

My scars are pretty much small now, they are bright pink still, but slowly fading away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only hit a few plateau's that were minor. I am still going through one,but it is not too bad.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, it seems I get talked to more often compared to when i was bigger. It is like I am part of the mainstream now for some odd reason.
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