grannymedic1

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

I am a compulsive overeater. While pregnant for our fourth child I recognized my eating as abnormal. I eventually lost all of my weight after she was born and stayed at about 110-115 for about 2 years. After that the weight began to creep up. I went to WW two times, and lost the extra pounds, though to most people I seemed to be a normal size. When I would let down, I would return to my binge eating. The thing was that people never knew how bad my eating was, because my metabolism still covered most of it. Also, other than bingeing on carbs. I ate normal meals. I felt out of control and started in a local OA group. I played around with that for several years. I had also been in neighborhood wl groups, walking groups,and dance exercise classes. All that kept me from ballooning up. I had lost from 132 (I know, but it was a lot of weight on me) to 112 when our youngest was in kidnergarten, and fought to stay there but wasn't successful. Fast forward to her freshman year in high school. I quickly gained from 150lbs. to 212lbs. after being placed on a tricyclic antidepressant. The doctor who put me on it said I was just getting my appetite back after being (mildly) depressed. That did not account for the fact that I went from wearing a pair of jeans one day, then 5 days later not having the waist meet by 6 inches! Looking back, though, I recognize that I was still eating out of control. I lost some after I quit that med, but never got back down. The eating continued until I was 51, and was back to around 202. I started a program called Prism and lost a great deal and was wearing a size 12. I looked fantastic! Unfortunately, though they taught changing behavior and emotional eating, I couldn't stay completely away from carbs that were more than fruits and veggies. I am an addict. I gradually put it back on while feeling worse about myself.

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

The worst thing about being overweight was the shame I felt. Ashamed of my lack of control, the secret eating, of how I looked. When the health problems started due to obesity I didn't pay a lot of attention to it. However, when they worsened I was terrified.

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 love being able to move like a normal person. I love shopping, walking, biking, and lots of other things I would never have considered before.

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

I knew several people who had gotten wls, all gastric bypass patients. I thought it was taking the easy way out. I also though that after surgery you would just automatically lose all your weight, you just ate a little, and the weight never came back. HA!

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

Mine was very easy. At first it seemed I would be required to do the 6 month supervised weight loss, but that turned out to not be so. As soon as my testing was done and I was released by the nutritionist and my comorbidities documented I was good to go.

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

My first visit I was full of questions and had a list to ask about. The surgeon went over everything, explained what I needed to know about, and I felt very satisfied. I went in to that first visit with a notebook. It not only had those questions but copies of all bloodwork, testing, etc. I had gotten done withing a year, including the settings for my C-Pap. I gave copies to the surgeon and they were very pleased. It cut out unnecessary testing. A list of meds is also in my notebook. I wrote down everything anyone told me, additional questions, and added phamphlets and printed material they gave me. It also contains my initial body fat mass print out. I also had material from the wls support group I attended before my first consult, and showed them I was taking it seriously.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was absolutely no doubt in my mind, once I started. My new diagnosis as a type 2 diabetic, cholesterol of 489, the terrible back pain, etc. showed me that I really did have a limited life span and that quality of life would be a big problem within just a few years. That and my upcoming 60th birthday, and a family history of cardiac problems made me decide that I didn't have a choice if I wanted to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I debated back and forth, checked out all the types of wls currently approved, educated myself about the pros, the cons, the risks, benefits, and what it took to be a success. I changed my mind frequently, but since insurance wouldn't approve a VGS at my BMI I decided lap-band was my best fit.

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?

Oh my gosh! Fears? I read all the horror stories on OH and was practically convinced that no one got out without horrible complications. Except, I knew people and met people on OH that had done great the whole way. I finally had to decide to stop reading the horror stories because I already knew the risks. I also reminded myself that I would die without it, within a few years. If you are having fears, educate yourself, talk to your surgeon, talk to those people who are happily living a new life, see a counselor if needed. Don't give up, you may be saving your life. It is ok to be nervous,even a little scared.

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 immediate family was very supportive, though my dad was concerned. My brother was worried, but I straightened that out. Some friends expressed concerns, but I later found out that most had known someone who had open RNY, and didn't know the difference.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Attending that first seminar was like finally being validated. I learned so much and that really helped. My husband attended with me so he knew everything I did, so that was a huge help.

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

My hospital stay was actually fun. I wasn't in pain, the staff was great, and I was just thrilled to get my band. I had surgery at about 10 a.m. and was discharged by 6 p.m. As far as what was most important to bring, there wasn't much I needed, but I took a book to read while waiting for surgery, wore loose clothing so I wouldn't have rubbing on incisions, and most important was a pillow to hold against my tummy for the ride home. One other thing, as I was being discharged the nurse offered me some of the little plastic marked med cups. They were perfect for measuring out my liquid pain medications. Even in the middle of the night when I was having a hard time seeing I could tell exactly where the proper dose was to be. Accuracy is vital with medications and those little cups were perfect. We got several and I was so glad we did.

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

No complications at all.
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×