ricetla

member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

I have always been up and down with my weight. When I wanted to I would lose weight- but as soon as I stopped watching- it and then some came back.

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

I couldn't dress myself, get out of bed, walk to the car. All of these would require me to sit and stop to relax. BUT the worst part ws my daughters friends were scared of me because of my size!

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 can get dressed, get into my car- I am independent again- I can go to the gym sit behind the table at a diner- fit in one seat at the movies

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

I friend around the corner had it. My wife looked into it and said we should consider it since I also had gotten hurt on the job and needed to lose weight to get better or at least live.

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

My experince was very easy- I asked and got it.

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

My stay was great, the staff was wonderful. You should bring comfortable clothes to put on- so when you walk around your not always showing off all your body parts. If you can have lots of people stop by at all times of the day- this way when night comes you can sleep(except when they wake you up to walk) but go with a postive attitude.

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

Yes incision infections and strictors. I had a nurse come to my house to clean the wound and went in for strictors.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first couple three weeks I said why did i do this? But when the weight started to come off and wounds healed and I was able to hold food down- I would never tell anyone not to do it- you have to work at it and this was part of it.

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

They were hard but they are still gettin better.

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

There is a meeting twice a month, plus I went to weight in every friday to keep me focused on my goal. This is very important. And I log what I eat, drink and exercise.

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

I have several Ports but I also had to have gallblader and hernia surgery ater the by pass- so I have had my share of operations in one year.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 174 pounds and stopped! I am not worried about it although I would like to lose about 20 more

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No
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
×