angelia M.

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  • BMI 39.9

Obesity & Me

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

My weight just kept climbing. I was miserable, at last weigh in b4 surgery, 1 month pre-op, I was 512 lbs. All efforts for weight loss had failed and I was ready to give up.

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

Inability to do everyday things. Not being able to breathe. Not being able to ebjoy time with my family. That darn wheel chair!!!

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!!!!!! Playing with my grand daughter. Taking a shower without being out of breath when I get out. I can fit behind my steering whel comfortably now. SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING!!!!

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

Research on the computer and from an article in the news paper about a woman who lived near me and was fighting for insurance approval. I got in touch with her and she let me know the surgery was covered in some cases by Medicaid. That's all I needed to know, my journey was on !

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

I didn't have any trouble at all. I had alot of medical problems at the time, some life threatening. So all I had to do was get a referral from my pcp. For the people trying to get approved, getting all the information you can on your condition is essential. Don't leave anything out.

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

It was a good stay. The staff was very good to me. I was there for 8 days. I had a problem breathing the 1st few days after surgery. I think I took everything but my kitchen sink ! But, the hospital had almost everything I needed. But, for comfort and to make things easier, gowns that open in front is a lot easier when it comes to the doctor checking you. I took some puzle books, too. The stays now are a lot shorter, so you don't need to weigh yourself down with to much unnecessary stuff.

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

I had a little trouble beginning to breathe on my own at 1st. But, they removed the venilator after a couple of days. Otherwise only the pain associated with the surgery.

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 got my surgery date 1 week and I had the surgery the next week. Anxiety was my biggest problem. I couldn't wait. I was so happy.

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

Pain, getting used to the eating thing. I wouldn't suggest the baby food thing either, that stuff was terrible. You go through a lot of crazy emotions,too. I can't explain why. You may wonder what the heck you done to yourself. But, it passes. Especially when you begin to see the weight coming off. I lost 33 lbs in my 1st 3 weeks. I was so happy.

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

I have a online support group. Some of the member's came and seen me in the hospital. But, besides that I really have dealt with everything on my own. But, I don't recommend that because it gets rough sometimes. Your body changes so quickly, it plays with your mind, b/c your hormomes and all that stuff is going crazy. Kind of messes with your head !

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

My scar is from my breast bone down to my belly button almost. It is very noticable, but has lightened up over time. My gallbladder removal scar is worse than the bypass scar though.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I got down to 222. I have gained around 35 lbs. And it's an awful feeling. But, if you slack up, in time you can gain some back. But, it is easier to loose the weight than it was b4. I WILL loose the weight back and get even smaller than b4.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes very much !! I don't get the stares anymore or the snarles, I used to. It seems people take me more serious now. I think it's a shame how people treat the obese !!!!
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Before & After
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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.

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