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Obesity & Me

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

I have many emotional scars from being over weight. I now take anti-depresants to help control the depression

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

Clothes not fitting and people looking at you like your disgusting.

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

Exercising daily.

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

I found out from a friend at work. I was afraid of the surgery she had done so I started researching what else was available.

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

This year my company changed insurance companies from Cigna to Blue cross blue sheild. I was approved in 2 days for a revision. I was so surprised and happy with their response time

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

I found a new surgeon in 2005 but was afriad to try again until a co-worker had surgery with the same surgeon. My doctor was great and had questions about my history. When I couldnt answer the questions, he sent me to a specialist to have the questions answered. He was spectacular.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of doing nothing and have no energy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon decided for me because of other medical issues discovered after he sent me to a specialist

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 have/had no fears. I tell my friends who are thinking of this not to be afraid to live.

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?

They were very supportive. They still remain supportive after the surgery.

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

31 miles

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

Isotonix B complex and multi vitamin. www.marketamerica.com\Simplyella

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

The liquid diet before surgery. Its so hard to do!!

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

My suregon has a support group at the hospital once a month. Lapband patients meet seperately from bypass patients which is great. This has been very helpful to me because I get to hear what other people are experiencing and I also get great ideas on different foods to eat and how to prepare.

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

I have six small scars... They dont look bad and it's what I expected.
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