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Obesity & Me

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

I seem to be a very strong willed person when it comes to something want...and who does not want to look good? I did really well on the Adkins diet and then got pregnant, which really was the whole purpose of losing the weight. After having another c-section, i ended up having post partum depression and could not seem to et out of it. I had a lot of personal things going on at the time and could not focus on my weight. I tended to overeat at times out of emotion and started feeling like I wanted to hide what I ate when certain people were around.

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

Feeling like I did not fit in. Not being able to fit in a booth comfortably at a restaurant. Not being able to play with my kids. Not feeling sexy/desirable to my husband.

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

NEW CLOTHES!! I love the energy. I love the fact that I can eat out and not feel smushed in the booth or feel like people are looking at me weird.. I love my new life!

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

I was ready to go! I was scared after the inital excitement calmed..you never know what to expect when surgery is involved..

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

No insurance...I am self pay. I encourage people who are also self pay to ask the doctors and hospitals for the discount. You can pay the hospital monthly. Don't give up your health for money...it is not worth it!

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

I actually did not see my surgeon the first time. I met with one of his partners that do all of his surgeries with him. It was very informative. Make sure to ask lots of questions. Release your fears. Do not be scared to ask questions and tell them that you are afraid. They know how to calm your fears and make you feel confident about your upcoming decision. Do not let the doctor leave if you still have questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I guess talking it out with family and doctors..and of course the ObesityHelp.com website. I read a lot of other people's profiles and saw what they went through and how they dealt with the surgery before and after.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor helped me decide what was best for me.

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?

Of course everyone has a concern for the after. I guess I just relied on my faith and my doctor. Do your homework on the hospital and doctor. Don't chase the cheapest! Talk to other others. Take care of yourself after.

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?

Some were skeptical. Others just wanted me to be happy. I still have a few people that think I should try losing on my own. But in the end, you have to make your own decision. Trust your gut!

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

I am a Licensed Real Estate Professional, so I make my own hours anyway. My husband and I work together, so I did not have to technically miss work because he can cover for me, but I did tell our broker that I was having the surgery. He was very supportive of it.

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

I was there ealry Tuesday morning and surgery was at 7:30 AM. I was out of recovery and in my room by 1PM. The nurses were great and always right there. I did not have to "need" for anything really-exept the ice chips I kept asking for!! I liked them better than water. I left Thursday around 4PM. I brought my own gown and robe, which was nice but not really needed. I would be sure to bring chapstick for sure and a comfortable set of clothes to wear home. I brought books and magazines but did not use them..i rested as much as possible.

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

No complications.

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 felt great!! I had an instant burst of energy!!I kept myself busy walking around the house keeping my muscles busy..I asked for help around the house..even with the most minute of chores!! I did have a little anxiety when it came to eating because I was scared that I would stretch my ouch or get sick when trying a new food, but that all subsided and I am doing great now!

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

I took it easy..just did what I felt comfortable doing...no heavy lifting or anything like that. I played a lot with the kids (games and play-doh) and watched home movies and went to all my kids baseball games and saw a few movies at the theatre..but it wasn't too long before I was up and back to my normal schedule...really!!

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

I live about an hour from the hospital so the ride home from there was a little long, only because any kind of movement makes you feel a little icky.

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

My family has been so supportive of me and of course all of my OH friends I have made along the way have been a crucial part of why I have been as successful as I have. It is very important to have a support group..no one can be successful if they are not being encouraged..for even the smallest things. Think of a child learning to talk or ride a bike..they won't keep trying if they feel like it is hopeless!

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

My scars are fading! They itched like crazy for the longest time...boy oh boy! They are so little that they are almost not even noticeable! I expected them to be bigger!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued for about a month..that felt like the longest month in history! I was so concerned that I thought that I had stretched my pouch or I was eating something wrong..many thoughts ran through my mind...then it ended and I haven't stopped losing since! I think your body needs time to breathe and to adjust.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I see people daily that don't even recognize me! I have such a great place to work and a wonderful family. They are all so supportive of me and my changing body and attitude. I do have some people say that they are worried that I don't eat enough or laugh at my clothes because they never seem to fit!! I love it!
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Before & After
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