Barb S.

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Obesity & Me

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

My weight has been a constant battle for me for all of my adult life. My health has taken a backseat to so many things and I am thrilled to be finally taking a very positive step in the right direction. I am feeling positive about the tool I am about to receive and am looking forward to my new life.

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

Not being able to enjoy activities iwth my children.

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

Nothing specific. I just feel better. I feel healthier and I have only lost 43 pounds so far.

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

I have done a lot of reading for a very long time. My weightloss journey started over 6 years ago and I could not be more comfortable and at peace with my decision to move forward with my new life

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

I battled the medical system in BC, Canada for 6 years and saw 4 surgeons in Canada before finally being approved for out of COuntry coverage. I am feeling truly blessed.

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

My surgeon is a very warm, sensitive, caring individual who has made me feel very comfortable with my decision to take this leap.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The risks to my health of not having the surgery outweigh the surgical risks.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY is what is covered by my insurance.

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 don't have any fears. This seems so right.

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?

Reactions have been mixed, however everyone has been fairly supportive. Their negative comments have been out of concern. Nobody seems to be overly negative they are just concerned about me because they want it to be a success.

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

I have been totally up front and straight forward about this. They are very supportive and I do not expect that to change.

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

My stay at Virginia Mason in Seattle was wonderful. The staff were great. It was clean and I felt I was looked after very well. I don't think the experience could have been better. My surgery was on a Tuesday and I went home on Friday. I stayed in an extra day because I live 3 hours away from the hospital.

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

No, I did not have any complications.

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

For me it was stunning. I couldn't believe I had finally got a date. I was so relieved, happy, apprehensive, amazed. It was an amazing emotional ride.

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

I was tired but felt pretty good. 6 weeks post op I still get tired but if I pace myself I am okay. I don't and haven't had any pain or discomfort to speak of. Overall I would say it has been a pleasant experience.

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

I follow a number of internet support groups. It seems to be enough for me for now. I have spoken to a couple of people by phone from these sites but overall reading and posting info is enough for me.

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

The incision sites are still fresh so they are a dark red line. If these sites are like the ones I had from having my gall bladder removed they will fade over time and will hardly be noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I had only 1 week where I didn't lose an ounce. I actually gained a pound. It is kind of weird. Some weeks are slower but overall no problem.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They don't know what to offer me when I go to their homes and are worried I am not eating enough. Again, the support and attitude from friends and family have been fairly positive.
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