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Obesity & Me

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

I tried to ignore it as much as possible. I was addicted to food. I would crave certain foods and would sometimes sneak food during the night.

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

The way I felt about myself. Being embarrassed of my looks.

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

Hiking.

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

Research on the internet. At first I was afraid of it.

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

First attempt I was denied. Rather than appeal, I let the time run out before I mentioned it again. This time I got a referral from my doctor and sent in letters to justify and support my need. I was approved right away.

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

The stay in the hospital was great. I was there for 3 days. I really didn't need anything that I took with me.

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?

I was nervous, anxious, and excited at first. As the time grew nearer, I became calm and peaceful. Not sure why that happened.

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

The hardest part was figuring out what I could eat that wouldn't make me throw up. Everything felt uncomfortable.

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

My hospital is approximately 1 hour from my house.

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.

Could Not eat eggs, chicken, pork. I still don't care for eggs much although I tolerate them alright. As time went by I was able to tolerate more things.

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

It has increased.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Calcium, Multi-vit, Biotin, Iron, B-12

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 worst is the nausea. It has decreased though to where it is hardly a factor though.

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

Nausea

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

I use the support groups on OH. I don't care to go to a meeting as my family life is extremely important to me. I also have friends who have had surgery and are a support. My most important support though is my family.

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

five small scars. It is less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

One in September that lasted 2-3 weeks and a shorter one in December that lasted 1 1/2-2 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Strangers are much nicer. I don't feel invisible.
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