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Obesity & Me

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

It seems as if I tried every diet known to man but could not seem to stay on it. Got discouraged and gave up.

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

I just hurt!!! too much weight on my joints

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

Dancing

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

I had heard about it and went to a seminar 3 years before I actually had the surgery. It scared me to death then 3 years later it decided that if I did not have the surgery I would not live to see my grandkids grow up

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

I was fortunate that I was able to have my surgery paid for by Vocational Rehab. It did however take over a year from then I applied to the approval of surgery

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

I was in the hospital overnight. Just remember the pillow they tell ya to bring for your stomach

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

No did not have any 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 tried to stay positive and not worry to much about it.

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

I is difficult getting used to the new schedule of supplement and shakes. It is a totally different experience but worth it

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

I traveled over 50 miles

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I am now 8 months post op. I still cannot eat bread, eggs, pizza, salad. I have been able to add food a little at a time.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

At first I was tired all of the time. My energy level is returning but have to make sure that I take protein and vits.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

The only thing I find real annoying at this point is the hair loss. I have gotten better about eating like I should so I don't get sick or dump but the hair loss thing is really bugging me.

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

vitamins.... I am not good at talking meds

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

I have not attended a support group. I do have friends that have had wls so that helps

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

the only scar that really bugs me is the one from the stomach tube.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definately.... it is amazing
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