Jadyn

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Obesity & Me

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

I was never overweight as a child. In fact I was malnourished. I suppose I am outside of the "norm" if there is such a thing. Instead of using food as comfort I would hoard it, unsure of when I would have it again. I didnt gain a significant amount of weight until I became pregnant, I gained 100 pounds in 9 months and that was the beginning of my journey with being fat.

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

I dont think there is one thing that is worse than any other about being overweight. They all are horrible,from the not being able to climb the stairs without being out of breath, to having people stare at you. Do I need to mention skin rashes and swollen ankles. Your knees hurting so bad it feels as if they would fall apart?

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 enjoy exercising believe it or not, I exercise daily. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and just being active.

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

I first found out about bariatric surgery through my girl friend. She had the band done and had many problems with keeping her food down. It wasnt that the procedure didnt work, its because she wasnt working it. She continues to eat whatever she wants. This surgery is not a miracle weight loss, it is a step in the right direction for you. It only works if you make it work.

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

Luckily I had no trouble getting approval for the surgery. I had been to the clinics at the same hopsital for weight loss through my physician.I have been on the waiting list at the MTF <Military Treatment Facility> for 15 months. With the war going on I have been informed that it is going to be another 6 months but up to 15 months. I have decided to have my surgery done by a civilian provider. Again there was no trouble with this transition through my Insurance Company, or so I thought. After checking into my referral I was told by Tricare that I needed to weigh 12 more pounds to qualify for the referral to a civilian provider. Thats the most ridiculuous thing I have ever heard! Why would you need to gain more weight to qualify for WLS, if You are already approved by the MTF for it.Oh well, just another step I will have to take getting my referral approved by the Medical Director. Anything worth having better health and a better quality of life is worth fighting for! Dont give up and dont accept "No" as an answer!

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

I have yet to meet with my surgeon. Scheduled for June 2, 2003

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After careful review of all the information, good and bad, I decided that the benefits outweigh the risk. This is something that wont be true for everyone. Its a very individual decision. You have to make sure you are ready to do it. By that I mean, the surgery is not a miracle cure. You have to find out why you are overweight. What are the underlying issues, if you have any. Surgery wont change emotional eating and not worth the risk if you dont fix why you eat in the first place.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I will discuss this with my surgeon and we will decide together what procedure is best for me.

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 havent had my surgery yet, am I afraid of dying? Certainly, but does that fear outweigh what my life will be like if I dont have the surgery? No.

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?

So far they have all been supportive. One of my family members is looking into the surgery for herself.

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

I am a full time college student. The administration and my professors were very understanding and supportive. I initially took a 3 week leave of absence, but extended it for another 3weeks.

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 pretty typical. I was totally off the pain meds by the 3rd day, up walking around. I had my surgery on Monday and was discharged friday night. As far as what to bring.. chapstick..chapstick..chapstick!!!!

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

No complications from 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 was very nervous, I changed my mind alot about the surgery. You cant focus on the little details, but on the big picture instead.

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

I was extremely fatigued the first week, at 8 days post-op my energy level had increased to what it was pre-surgery.

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

I have a scar from about breastbone to bellybutton.It has healed very nicely. My surgeon didnt use staples but used dissolving stitches on the inside so it is very smooth looking.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau at 3 weeks..and am still there! Grrrr...guess I need to up my water intake!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Only the men..LOL
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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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