Michelle S.

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been heavy since I was a kid, and then when I had my twins I just never took the weight off which made me unhappy.

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

Being picked on as a kid and as I got older not being able to be out and running around 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?

I am still getting there.

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

I had a friend a few years back that had it done, but she did not follow doctors directions and was sick all the time. Made me realize just what I needed NOT to do.

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

I have tricare insurance and am very lucky. Once I was exactly 100 pounds overweight I was approved within two days.

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

I was not sure what to expect when I met with my surgeon for the first time, but once I was there he was so wonderful and explained everything so well and so was so kind. I did not have a lot of questions but I suggest that that is a good time to ask them. Maybe have a list.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being out of breath, and not being able to ride the rides at the fair with my son.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really did not think twice about it. I knew this is the one that my doctor had lots of experience in and that it was the right one for me.

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 had a ton of fears, from dying to having something go wrong during surgery. I do however have a lot of faith and so I put my fears in God's hands and just had to trust that he would take care of everything and he did.

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?

Well most my family could not figure out why I was doing it this way, and not just going on a diet. They have been very supportive though since the surgery. Even though they are thousands of miles away they still let me know they love me and are there if I need them.

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

I dont work,

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

The Hosptial I stayed in was wonderful. The nurses all had, had the surgery or were familiar with it. They were very attentive, and so helpful. I was in there for four days. To me I was glad I had a robe, and good slippers.

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

None at all. I have been totally blessed.

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 did a lot of prayer. It was the only way to take care of the anxiety for me.

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

Well I have only been home about three weeks now. The first week was hard because I could not bend or lift and walking every hour drove me crazy. I was getting up in the middle of the night to walk as well.

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

About 1/2 hour down the street.

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.

Again I am fairly new here so I am still experimenting with foods and what sits well and what doesnt. I tried to eat cheese within a week of being home and it was NOT good. Two things I seem to live on these days are Saltines and Suger Free Popsicles.

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

This week being week three I am starting to feel a little more energy but I do get tired really easy. I try and get all my stuff done in the morning so I can have my afternoon to relax or take a little snooze.

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

I am taking the Building Blocks which is what my doctor gave me.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Trying to figure out what to eat and what not to eat.

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

My doctor holds support groups once a month, each with a different theme. I also get a lot of support from on line.

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

I am still healing but I dont think it is going to be to bad.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My son is a little timid around me. I think he is afraid to hurt me.
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