babyblues8088

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

Food was my best friend. It never got mad at me, it never talked back. I didn't realize what it was doing to me.

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

Truthfully?? This sounds so superficial, but, not being able to sit in seats when going out with my family or friends. I am always worried what kind of chairs will be there, and what I will do. Terrible, I know. Also I think about something happening to me and my husband or kids having to take care of me. That terrifies me.

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 love to walk. It makes me feel so good.

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

I have known about it for about 2 years. One year ago I looked into it, but my husband's insurance wouldn't pay for it. Then this year we changed to my employer's insurance and they would pay for it. Then I had a friend who had it. I was all for it, any tool to weight loss is great in my book.

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

My insurance just needed a 6 month doctor directed diet pan. Just make sure you have every visit documented.

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

My hospital stay was great. I arrived at 7:30 a.m. and got prepped for surgery. I went into the OR about 11 a.m. and was out and in my own room by 1:45. I got home around 5:30 and I live about 45 miles from the hospital I used.

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?

I was very anxious when I knew I was approved. They called me on Tuesday and I was in surgery the next Tuesday. I walked alot during that week.

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

You should not expect to lose weight in the first week after surgery. Your body is recovering from surgery and you haven't been filled yet. Wait til after your first dr's appt. and then after your first fill. Then be super excited. Keep exercising!! Don't stop!

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

About 45 miles. My husband drove me home.

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.

Well, the first 2 days after surgery I was on clear liquids only. After that I was supposed to be on mushy food. I stayed on mushy food for about 3 days. I then moved to semi mushy food. Then at 2 weeks out I was on a regular diet. Just really small portions, but mostly any food. My tastes have changed alot though. I cannot eat bread well at all!! Don't try it!! It stops up your stomach and makes you feel like throwing up!!

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

I am walking about 1.5 miles per day, sometimes 2x a day. I also work out on my cross bow 3 times a week and am thinking of joining Curves. As long as you do something every day, you will be good.

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

I take Flinstones chewables and still drink my Isopure protein drinks.

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?

NONE

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

The diet before!!

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

I love this board. My surgoen also has a message board. Then he also has a support meeting once a month at his office.

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

I have 5 small scars. After the dressings fell off and they were healed pretty good, I started putting Neosporin on them. Once the red and swollen was gone I started putting Vit. E on them. They look great!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no, not yet
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×