Kate L.

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Obesity & Me

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

I was athletic as a child and young adult. Took up smoking, and quit after 10 years. Turned to the addiction of food. Gained weight quickly and never looked back. Ate for stress, ate for social, ate to eat.

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

Health issues. Secondary, discrimination [which I never was aware of until after I lost the weight and saw the change in how I am treated]

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

Participating in sports activities. Running to keep up with my nephews. Really, doing just about anything physical.

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

A friend had it done 15 years ago. She is still at her goal weight.

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

It took a little less time than I had originally expected as our hospital was designated a "Center of Excellence" during the process. Be patient, keep a calendar and follow the rules.

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

He was warm, confident and spent a fair amount of time with me and my partner reviewing the procedure and answering questions. Do your homework.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After I had a total hysterectomy and came through the surgery without complications, I knew I could do the RNY.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading books, meeting with the surgeon, speaking with friends who had the surgery.

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?

No fears. Do it.

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?

Most were positive when informed about my decision. All are supportive after surgery.

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

Self-employed. 4 weeks out of work.

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

Stay was comfortable. I spent one night. Bring your own pajamas and robe. As soon as I was able to, I started walking and walked until the nurses were tired of seeing me on my "rounds."

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

None.

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

Excited. Couldn't wait to do it.

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

It hurt! But, when you start feeling the weight come off, you know it was the absolute right decision.

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

Ten minutes to the hospital.

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

I walked on my treadmill at a very slow pace for 30 minutes. I kept increasing my time and pace. [8 months later, I now run 3 miles 3 - 4 times per week]

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

Multi-vitamin, calcium citrate and sublingual B-12 daily.

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

Pre and post-op support groups monthly. VERY IMPORTANT and VERY HELPFUL. Cannot stress this enough.

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

Minimal as laproscopic.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateuas. However, when I do not see the weight coming off I check my measurements. Even when my weight is static, I find I am losing inches. I wish I had taken measurements before surgery. I didn't start until a few months later. So dramatic!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I am amazed!
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Before & After
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before photo after photo

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