Tawan0521

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Obesity & Me

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

My battle with weight control was mostly psychological and just downright being miserable and depressed all the time. I use to see a therapist and that really didnt help for me though it does help for some. When it came to junk food I had mostly no control and I was an emotional eater.

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

The criticisms, the looks, stares, comments, depression. Not being able to fit in certain seats, no amusement parks becuause I couldn't fit on the rides.

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

Too early in post op to answer this.

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

T.V commercials. Initially i thought to myself I would never have surgery for weight loss but then for years i tried every diet out there. Even for 6 months and more went to the gym four times a week for two and a half hours and saw that this weight is just not going anywhere. I realized that its not me, this is a metabolic disease I have and at this point in my life I have to take a medical approach to this now. I said to myself I'm not getting any younger and surgeons highly recommend to do it while your young instead of waiting for things to get worse.

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

I had absolutely no problem with my insurance the hospital took care everything. The only thing that was a bit pricey was the psychological evaluation that was required; it wast $300 and there was a $100 co payment fee for the surgery.

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

My stay in the hospital was excellent other than the pain I was in but other than that they made me feel real comfortable. I was there much longer expected because I had a blockage in my stomach that was later sucessfully corrected. So I was there for 8, days. I would say just bring personals like deorderant, perfume, good lotion for when your discharged.

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

Unfortunately I did, after the first surgery I was vomiting everything I would put down. I was soo miserable and uncomfortable iI almost thought i was gona have an emotional breakdown.However, I didnt I held myself together and plus the nurse were so caring and did everything to make me feel better along with the surgeon prescribing me anti nausea meds.

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 felt very very very nervous, not sure if i was gona go through the whole process. I was thinking about death, the permanent change of my anantomy and how everything is gonna be different after my new birth date

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

Well as of now I only been home for three days and what they should expect after discharge is just following the doctor instructions exactly and taking it easy and really paying attention to how your new pouch is responding to the liquids you put in it. expect your stomach to feel a ittle different than normally, not a drastic change but a noticeable change.

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

I traveled by car and it takes around 45 minutes to get there. By train it would take an hour and 45 minutes.

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.

Right now im only four days out of surgry so I'm only on clear liquids and the protien drink

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

I was very sore so I moved around as normal just a little slower. The hadest part was getting dressed like bendig putting socks on and shoes. Other than that your definitely able to get around. That's what they want because they dont want any blood clots to form.

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

Iron, Vit C 600mg chewables, something to prevent ulcers,prenatal chewable vitamin

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?

So far no side effects.

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

Having to have a second surgery due to a blockage in the stomach.

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

I attend two support group meetings that meets once a month. I find it very helpful and encouraging for me to attend those meetings. If I have any questions I always bring them with me to the meetings.

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

My scar is not as bad as I expeted. They are little incisions that are realy not that noticeable; and plus these day there is make-up that would completely cover the scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet too early to answer this now.
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