Shante81

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Obesity & Me

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

I have struggle with my weight my entire Life. I began my first diet at the age of 9. I have used diet pills and diet to lose weight but it continues to return plus extra. My mom suggested I look into surgery awhile ago but I would always push the thought out of my mind but now I am to the point where I know I can not do this on my own anymore. I have struggled with depression which leads me to overeat and it is something that I am working on controlling. I live with individuals who are not supportive of my decision to have weight loss surgery but health is my only concern not their opinion.

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

I am tired all of the tired. Because I have lost weight before I knew how it fel tto go up the sitars and not be tired. I got tired just from walking across campus and I once was a fast walker but because of substantial weight gain, I have to walk slowly in order not to become tired.

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 really enjoy life now. People say that I am always on the go an I love it that way. I do Zumba now and there is No way I could have done that pre-op. I also walk 6 days of the week 3 miles sometimes 4 pre-op I could barely do one and this 3 miles does not include my mile I walk to work and other activities I may do that day.

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

My mom suggest the surgery to me several years ago but I would always brush the thought out of my mind. When I ask my pcp about it in 2004, he ridiculed me, and pushed me toward south beach diet.

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

The surgeon was awesome and easy to talk to. We discussed the risks and benefits of surgery. I really liked his staff compare to the surgeon I met in Atlanta.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I can't deal with being overweight anymore;. It has really impacted the qu ality of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because of insurance and my weight RNY is my best and only option.

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 really don't fear dying, I fear complications moore than death.

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?

My mom, aunt, gma, and best friend are supportive. However it is not but its not her decision to make its mine. one of my roommates

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

I am so glad I attended. Dr. Duncan's orientation was very rousing but he wasn't the surgeon for me but his excitement inspired me to continue this process.

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

I was there 2 days. Stay was good. enjoyed the staff, very helpful!

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

No

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

Tired some days, full of energy the next. No anxiety

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

To be tired at times. They should expect not to able to sleep comfortably when they first get home.

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

50 miles, It has not affected aftercare because I currently reside in the city where I had surgery.

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

I attend the local support group at Trinity Hospital. I have found that it helps me stay accountable as well as being able to encourage others along as well.

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

My scars are small, and don't really bother me because they are pretty much the ones I have from gall stone removal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced several stall, but I continue to do what I am suppose to and eventually they break. Right now I am losing between 0-2lbs a week (9months Post)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I noticed they don't stare anymore (Strangers) as far as family and friends no.
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