nikki 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 for most of my adult life. Love food. I have tried every diet possible. Well maybe not everyone but alot. I finally just gave and my doctor suggested that i have the rny surgery.

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

Not being able to fit into clothes, always being self conscious about your looks. Your health deteriorates.

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

nothing quite yet. had to quit smoking before my surgery and i do not miss the wheezing or coughing at all. all smokers stink too me now. can't beleive i was like that a ways back. sorry

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

I guess i heard about it on the medical shows. I really can't remember. I thought, "oh my heck" i could never do that. Oh yes i can.

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

Since i have multiplesclerosis, i have medicare and medicaid and it has already been approved. Call your insurance companies and see if they approve it and what there conditions, if any, are

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

My first appt is march 21st. Really looking forward too it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being overweight and never being able to resolve it

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Just asking different people. RNY seems to have the best success rate.

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?

not any fears of dying. just the nausea you have when you wake up. always the dry heaves

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

my stay was good. they were very friendly and never put out too talk with you.

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

no

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

typical nerves but very anxious to have it done.

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

rest and go slow. i am only 3 weeks out and still have problems getting my protein and fluid.

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

none just my daughters

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

5 small ones. and yes exactly what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

being 3 weeks post-op i stalled for 2 days on weight. no big deal it picks up don't worry.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no
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