Karen M.

Obesity & Me

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

I have battled my weight since puberty. I have been on just about every diet and tried multitudes of diet pills, some with good results some with little to no results. But always with regain of weight, usually mopre than what was lost.

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

My weight has caused major health issues such as osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, etc. Also the stigma that comes with the weight. With every pound I gain I feel peoples respect slip away. People assume you have no self restraint and truely seem disgusted by you.

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 have not lost enough weigh yet to notice much of a difference.

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

A freind at work had the surgery and has had great success. My first impression was that it was taking the easy way out.

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 ok. They johnnys actually fit! The nursing staff was great. I was there for 5 days...I just wasn't feeling quite well, so Dr. Shen kept me over for an extra day. As soon as you awake from the surgery, you must sit up in a chair. And a little later taht same day you must take a walk. every walk needs to get a little longer. Bring good pair of slippers that don't slide and a light bathrobe. Also bring a good book.

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

No 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?

It has been just 6 weeks since my surgery and I feel very good. The only anxiety I have has is due to slow weight loss. I have only lost 25lbs. since the surgery. I hit a plateau at 3 weeks out.

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

Saintrs Memorial has Pre Op and Post Op support group meetings that I have been going to since 4 months before my surgery and attend at least 2 a month now since my surgery. They are very helpful. They are run by the 2 nurses that assist the surgeons and also there is atleast 1 nutritionist at the group meetings and one of the surgeons atleast once a month. The topics may be about nutrition, vitamins, head hunger, plastic surgery accompanied by a plastic surgeon, etc....

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

I had laproscopic surgery and have 5 tiny incisions that are healed and just dark pink lines less than an inch each.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau at 3 weeks. I am 6 weeks out since surgery and have lost 25lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.
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