suzyq0711

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  • BMI 34.8

Obesity & Me

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

I chronically dieted and failed. I was a compulsive emotional overeater. Every time the ~~~~ hit the fan I hit the freezer for the ice cream or the cupboard for the chips. I tried just about every diet known to man. Some worked and I would lose sometimes up to 60 lbs only to regain and then some.

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

The chronic fatigue.

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 sitting on the potty without my knees hurting like heck when I get up (it's the little things). Climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car, discovering new foods.

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

I had heard of this surgery for many years. In August 2006 I attended a seminar hosted by the surgeons who performed my surgery. I was so excited thinking that maybe there was an option that would work.

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

I had no insurance. The overall surgery with all preliminary visits and post op for 1 year was just under $30,000. I financed through an elective surgery loan company.

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

I arrived around 5:30 a.m. After waiting for maybe 30 minutes they escorted me into a room where I got into a gown and they put me to bed. I was then wheeled into pre-op where a wonderful anesthesiologist gave me an i.v. My Dr. arrived about then, he explained they were about to give me medication to go sleep and asked if I had any questions or concerns. None so they put me into the most blissful sleep I have ever had. I awoke in post-op where they asked about my pain level, checked my vitals frequently. I was there only a short time before they took me to my private room. I was in a fair amount of pain that they allowed me to control with a self medicating pain pump. I napped alot that first day. My husband visited with me and while I slept he watched t.v. That evening was the trial run on the new pouch. Broth, tea, jello. All went well. I had a reaction to the morphine so they put me on a different medication. I was there just a little over 48 hours. Nights were the worst as getting comfortable was hard. Have family bring your own pillow. My body pillow was my best friend the first month. Bring your own big baggy nightgown. Those hospital gowns are uncomfortable.

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

I developed an ulcer in the pouch after about week 3. The Dr. put me on pepcid which I still take twice daily. I was very painful. I can't stress enough that no matter what the pain that let the Dr. know.

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

After surgery I had a fair amount of pain. Controlling it with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Seeing the weight loss right away helped with the anxiety as I could see the fruits of my labor right away.

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

Getting used to eating was difficult. Life pretty much revolved around trying to get enough protein in. Sip, walk, pass gas was my life for the first few weeks.

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

The Dr's office staff has been there all the way. They have a support group that meets monthly. I've only gone once. I made a couple wonderful friends through this that had the surgery as well. It is very positive to have people that can identify with what is going on with your body. To share your goals and accomplishments. This website is a god send.

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

I have 5 small scars in a circle on my belly. No big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit several plateaus. They are different with every person. Mine last maybe a week. Every month during the full moon I bloat, gaining a couple of pounds of water. A week or so later I drop the water weight and couple more. But now that I know that pattern I can deal with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Friends and family have been very supportive. My children have never seen me at this weight before (179) and they think it's great.
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