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Obesity & Me

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

I grew up with a grandmother that was always wanting you to have 2nds or 3rds. Then at 9 I went to live with my dad and stepmom. Both big eaters. And of course being from NC we always ate country style. Bacon grease, fatback for seasoning etc. I never really thought about how much I ate until I was too full to exist.

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

I was horrified that I'd end up like my father, 50 years old suffering from Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cholesterol, Heart attacks, and Strokes.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

As vain as it sounds, buying clothes ANYWHERE!

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

My stepmom had had the stomach stapling done years and years ago.

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

I have a great Insurance Company, the medical policy in place is clear and concise. I had no problems getting the approval. The only advice I can offer is to be sure you understand the Medical Policy your carrier has. This is not a simple surgery, its very involved so they want to make sure that you meet the criteria they have set forth to be sure you are a good candidate for it.

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

AMAZING is all I can say. I love my surgeon, he saved my life by doing this for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing my dad in an adult diaper with the open heart surgery scars on his body.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that the band would not work for me, I may be stubborn but food is a drug and I dont know that I could have resisted. Being able to still eat a whole cake , only over a longer period of time, would not have been a good choice!

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?

Those fears are not necessary, even something as simple as wart removal can cause death if done by a bad doctor. All I can say is to be sure you research your physician and know the facility .

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?

They have been pretty nuetral.

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

I was out for 2 weeks. Luckily my direct supervisor was also a BP patient!

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

LOVED IT!!!!

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

I had everything I needed supplied by the hospital. the only suggestion I have is to be sure to bring your own pillows!

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

After being over 18 months out I developed a bleeding ulcer, spent 2 weeks in ICU. The doctors said this was not directly related to the Bypass though.

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 wore out! But I had a great support system in place, my hubby had just gone through it a week before. We were pitiful together.

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

Lots and lots of gas pain. But walk walk walk.

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

Less than 20 miles.

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.

Im still learning each day. One of the things I miss most are BBQ and Brussel Sprouts....cant handle them at all!

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

Lots of walking up and down the hallway at home. Trips to the store to walk around , nothing too severe. Although I did move less than a month after surgery.

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

Multiviamins, Fish oil, calcium with D. All sorts recommended by my Doc but usually go with a store brand, not something specific to bariatric surgery.

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

Very Small
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