Susan H.

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Obesity & Me

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

I have battled my weight for 44 of my 54 years. I am an emotional eater. Food was comfort and love for me. When I was lonely, sad, depressed, or hurt by others, I would eat to feel better.

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

Feeling rejected by others.

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

Shopping for stylish clothing in regular stores! I love buying clothes now!

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

I had heard of bariatric surgery many years ago and was very impressed. I didn't want to admit that I was that far gone that I needed WLS. I first took WLS seriously 3 years ago.

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

I was fortunate that my insurance (UHC) covered WLS so I was approved immediately. All that was required was that I met the BMI requirement for 5 years (which I certainly did).

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

I was very impressed with my surgeon. He was very clear about the procedure (RNY). Be prepared with questions. RESEARCH!!! I did a lot of research prior to committing to WLS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was in my recliner stuffing food in my face while watching television programs about bariatric surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My age (54). I wanted to be able to enjoy the last years of my life. I decided on RNY over Lapband because of faster results. Also I did not like the "up keep" with the lapband (fills). I did not consider any procedures other than RNY and lap band.

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 totally aware of all possible complications. Once I committed myself to WLS I never looked back. I knew that being obese would kill me eventually and I decided WLS complications were worth the risk. This is a tough decision. This is major surgery and it will change your life! You have to be emotionally prepared for it. If you have fears you need to seek counseling to help you work through it.

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?

When I planned to have WLS 3 years ago, I shared my plans with my son and sister. They were both very negative and unsupportive of my decision. I allowed their negativity to effect me and delay my committment to WLS for 2 years. When I finally decided to go through with WLS in 2008, I did not share my decision with anyone until I had my surgery date set and all clearances completed. I then told my father who blabbed to my sister who in turn threw hissy fits, as did my son. My son's concern was that I could die. My sister was probably worried that I would lose weight and look better than her. My Father is very supportive and proud of me! Son doesn't say anything. Sister is in shock.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

N/A

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

It was great. TV was bad though. I was there 2 days. I could have not taken anything but clean underwear. They (Barix Groveport OH) provided everything! I wore loose clothing to the hospital and wore the same clothes home (clean undies though). I was too busy walking or being checked by the nurses and DRs to even look at the books I took with me.

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

I have some malabsorption issues. I am taking RXd iron tabs. I also have eating issues but I just keep dealing with it.

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 ELATED! I had no anxiety about the surgery. My only anxiety was telling people about it (fear of negativity from them).

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

I have had previous surgeries so I was prepared. I also had to care for myself. I made sure everything was done (laundry, housework, bills paid, etc) before I went in for surgery. I also made sure I had everything I would need (food, protein powder, bottled water). Neighbors also checked on me daily. Your body has been through major surgery and you will have pain. You will need to rest but also need to walk. Listen to your body!!!

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

I am only 15 miles from the bariatric center. That was very important to me. I was permitted to drive 10 days after leaving the hospital.

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

There is a great support group available. However the times they meet are not convenient for me. I used support forums online.

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

M surgeon was fantastic!!! I have 6 small incisions that are perfectly symectrical. I had expected larger incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateau for weeks at a time. I just deal with it. It can be discouraging.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my yes!!! I am always getting "checked out" by men now.
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Before & After
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