Darsi

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Obesity & Me

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

When I was SMO, I felt I had no control. I didn't have "Only" 10 or 20 pounds to lose I had almost 200 lbs. to lose. It was a very sad way for me to live, because I felt there was no way out. I would cry all the time, I felt I was trapped. I didn't want to go to social events with my husband because I felt bad for him, so either I'd send him alone, or neither one of us would go and we would just make up an excuse why we couldn't make it. You can't really say "sorry I can't make it, because I'm so ashamed of myself that I wouldn't be comfortable, but thanks for asking."

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

I felt bad for my kids. I wasn't able to be active with them and I was afraid of causing embarrasment for them when they needed me at school and stuff. Because if it hurts your kids, it just kills 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?

Walking, and not getting out of breath

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

I heard about it thru a friend who had her stomach "stapled" many years ago, she wasn't able to change her habits and gained all her weight back. My first impression of that was I would never go thru anything like that, too dangerous, to scary. I was very uninformed about it. But as I gained and I reach 300 lbs and then 310, 320, 330... I knew I had to find any and all options, before I died from Obesity. I couldn't do it on my own.

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

I went to my Surgeon, and was told by his office that in order to get insurance approval, I had to have a psyc & nut eval. and I had to go on a 6 month doctor supervised diet and exercise program. The surgeon also said that I needed to lose 30 lbs. before he would do Lap-RNY I did what I was told, I was able to because I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. They Submitted all the paperwork, there was a question as to "if" it was a covered benefit. Thankfully it was and I got approval just days before my surgery date.

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

My appointment with Dr. Bertha went smooth, he was Very Upfront about everything. He said I was carrying my weight in my middle and I needed to lose 30 lbs. so he could do the surgery Laproscopicly. I also needed to quit smoking or the surgery would Not happen. He told me all the possibilities, good, bad and indifferent, he laid it all out on the table. I think you need to go there informed about the procedure and ask questions about the doctors rate of complications and I think you really need to listen to everything that the doctor has to say. Talk to other patients that the doctor has, and make sure this it the doctor for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I developed, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea, Depression, and I felt my next step was Diabetes, or worse. I needed to get healthy and I needed help!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all the different options, read books, searched the internet, and Felt that RNY was the "tool" I needed to be successful.

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?

I had FEARS, but I knew that this was going to save my life and give me many more years, healthy years, to enjoy my life. I knew that sooner or later I would die due to complications from being super morbidly obese, and damn It I was not giving up without a fight. My advise would be to make sure that you have a doctor that you trust and that your comfortable with his success rate, and complication rate.

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 Family and Friends have been very supportive thru everything, It so important to have a great support system.

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

My supervisor didn't really say much one way or the other. I was out of work for a month.

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 uneventful, I was there 2 nights. The most important thing is 2 piece pj's and slippers.

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

No, thank God.

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 excited, scared, anxious, worried, happy, nervous... I joined OH and another support group on line and asked questions lots and lots of questions. Hearing your answers from people who have gone through what you are about to really helps

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

The first week is hard, it was for me, emotionally. Then things start to get better with each passing day. Just try and make sure you drink water and walk, and don't beat yourself up over the small things.

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

About 30 minutes

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

In the first week, I walked everyday, first about 200 feet. then 1/2 a block, then a block, then around the block, then 1/2 mile and I'm up to 1 mile so far.

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

Multi vitamin & B-12, and Calcuim.

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

Not bad at all, it's basicly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus rot!!! It is to be expected though. Don't weigh everyday, that's what I did and it drove me nuts!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. I think I have a more positive attitude and I'm happier. In turn that makes other people happier.
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