toni J.

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been overweight the majority of my adult life. I started to to gain a significate amount of weight after high school. I tried nutra-system, weight watchers, protein diets and atkins. I lost weight on all of them but always gained it back. I lost as much as 60lbs on Atkins but gained back 85lbs within 18months!

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

The worst thing about being overweight for me was all the physical problems that came along with it. Being overweight contributed to other health issues such as asthma, sleep apnea,chronic back pain, high blood pressure & colesterol.

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 enjoy walking without back pain now, and not taking high blood pressure meds anymore, LOL.

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

After I was hospitalized for asthma in Nov 2001, the Dr suggested bariatric surgery but at that time I decided I would continue to try and loose weight on my own.

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

I didn't have any problems getting my surgery approved due to the staff at the surgeon's office. They were very good about making sure all requirements were met before submitting the request for approval.

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

Ask a lot of questions and ask for literature if available.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After many failed diets, additional weight gain and increasing health problems I decided to have the surgery like the Dr. suggested. These was 5 years later.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After attending several classes, talking to the surgeon, and extensive research on the internet I made my decision.

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 afraid to have this surgery mainly because of my respiratory problems, but with the constant weight gain my health problems were getting worse and I felt like I was dying a little every day. I would suggest to anyone with similiar issues talk to the surgeon about these concerns prior to surgery and pray on it before making a decision.

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?

My family is very supportive now in the beginning they were a little indifferent.

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

My employer was very supportive. I am currently off work soon to return for a total of 10 weeks off.

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

I attend support group twice a month. It is very informative I learn a great deal from attending support group than I learned from the diet literature given at the Doctor's office. I also have a number of follow ups with my Surgeon's office as well as lab work, a very good aftercare program.

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

I have a long incision from my open procedure very visible but I am 6weeks out so I am hoping it will fade with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau after 4weeks out, I started losing much much slower. Now its been 2-3lbs a week now. I know I need to step it up in the exercise dept.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no not yet.
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