JOHN S.

member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

I was in a spiral heading toward death. I ate all day long and ate everything I could. I had no reguard for my body of life. I am also now batteling with my son about his weight because of all the bad habits I taught him throuout the years.

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

Not being able to do anything with my children and the rest of my family. I also could not buy myself clothes anywhere except the fat people stores . I hated life

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

Spend quality time with my children and fit into what is considered normal size clothes

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

In the news and from my wifes family. My first impression was no way in hell. I thought everyone that had it Died.

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

Actually my experience with insurance approval went smooth. I got approved on the first try and never looked back.

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

My stay at Lahey Clinic in BurlingtonMass was great . I was up about 6 hrs after surgery walking around . I was never in much pain. I was also very impressed with the laproscopic surgery because the 6 incisions were so small and cna barely be seen . Just bring comfortable pants and shirt

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

I had no complications with the surgery at all. Everything went smooth

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 just exercised and tried to keep a clear mind . also my ativan did'nt hurt lol

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

Just take it easy do what the dr's tell you and relax . You might feel great but you did just have very major surgery so just remember and relax till the dr's tell you it is ok to resume a regular schedule .

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

I go to monthly support group meetings at the hospital .I also go on this site and I can always at ant time day or night contact my nutritionist and or nurses at Lahey

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

They are very small 6 of them about an inch long each. Alot smaller than I was expecting .

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost over 100 lbs so far . I have hit plateaus where iI have stalled with my weightloss for a week or so but then it picks up again .

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I hear all the time omg what have you done because you look great . I love it . I also do not get watched everytime I eat that is also great
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
×