VICKIE H.

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Obesity & Me

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

I was sick alot and cried alot. I felt that I had no where to turn and that I could possibly die as so many people that I love had.

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

Feeling that I had reached the end.

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

walking, crossing my legs, enjoying life, shopping, going to the zoo...............I could go on and on.

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

I had heard of it yrs ago, however started reswearching it on the internet.

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 wih my ins.

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

Very pleasant. He was kind but thorough...I would suggest listen carefully, take notes and ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My health

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 knew my risks of not having it out-weighed the risks of having it.

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

All the hospital staff was so kind. They allowed my daughter to stay, and took great care of me. I would be sure to take loose fitting clothes to wear home and a positive attitude.

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

not til 2 days after I went home and I had a pancratitis attack

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 dreamed of feeling good again, and said lots of prayers and praise!

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

difficult.............not an easy way out, that is for sure. I dumped on everything that I put in my mouth but it continuously got better.

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

2 hrs

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 followed my surgeons orders to the T. That is what I would recommend everyone to do.

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

I only walked as far and as much as I thought I could tolerate. More and more each day.

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

I still take all my supplements and vitamins that my surgeon suggests........... B12 SUB. bariatric vitamins biotin calcium citrate protein drinks............

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?

dumping!!!!! I still dump if I am not really careful and I have to be very cautios of what I put in my mouth.

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

having a pancratitus attack

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

I mostly do online support, but I am looking for a support group close.

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

Barely noticable after 2 yrs

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost sort of slowly and didn't plateau any till I got to my goal weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes...........most people are friendlier, but then there are those that are more distant now.
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