donnyj53

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Obesity & Me

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

I was pretty much under the impression that I was going to have to live and cope with my condition. My battle was going one way and I was loosing.

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

Probably everything. There are so many things a person can't do. Can't bath easily, can't stand up easily, can't walk very far. Really just a lot of things.

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

Everything really.

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

A friend's brother from work had the surgery done with great results. His final result was writen in the local newspaper.

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

I was actually more lucky in this aspect since I was using the VA Healthcare System so for the most part I didn't have too much trouble getting approval. My biggest part was making sure that I met all of their requirements.

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

This was very informative. He explained all about what he was going to do and then we covered the diet afterward. A person can get the most out of their first meeting by listening, asking questions and taking notes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My need for a better life and my inability to accomplish this on my own. Also those 56 size pants were getting very expensive.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really had little choice in this. The VA only does the Laproscopic RNY. I guess they feal that this procedure has a better success rate in losing weight faster and keeping the weight off than the lapband procedure.

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 guess a person will always have some fear but I was told this VA facility has a zero mortality rate so this is comforting. Of course they do all of the pre-testing to be sure you are strong enough to survive the surgery. I myself put my faith if God and own strong will to survive.

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 pretty much all for it. Some reminded me of the dangers. All of my family was very supportive after the surgery.

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

Not employed at this time.

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

I had a support group but right now since I'm working there isn't time for this.

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

I have several one inch scars. Most are very fine but the remander are very visable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was loosing and average of 7 lbs per week by now it seems to only average 3-4 lbs per week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

To some extent. Most people notice that I'm a little more flexible and tell me I'm looking good.
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