jayla79

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 always depressed. I felt insecure and so ugly.

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

I couldnt play outside with my kids. Something as simple as taking a nice walk with my family was not possible because I would get so tired so fast.

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

playing outside with my kids. tossing a football, playing catch with the dog

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

My mother had the surgery two years ago and a friend had the same surgery last year. My first impression was I was impressed. I saw dramatic results in a short period of time. I also saw the mistakes that were made in my friends diet and my moms.

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

I didnt have any problems. The surgical Center took care of everything for me. They were great and treated me so good.

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

My first visit was great. The people are so welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I received my binder and we sat and talked and all the details and they made sure I completely understood everything.

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

My supervisor was very supportive. I explained what kind of surgery I was having and how things were going to change for me. I told him I would need to be out of work for a week.

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

I stayed in the hosptial for two nights and the nurses were fabulous! They were so nice and caring! They were very attentive and supportive. I brought my laptop and magazines but have to admit that I didnt use either very much. lol With all the morphine the first 24 hours, i slept alot.

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

no.I think my only problem I had after surgery was gas! lol I could not pass gas and that can be very painful after awhile.

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

I was lucky enough to be in the same town.

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.

I have been home since Wedneday morning, and my best friend right now is sugar free apple sauce and sugar free popsicles. I did find some pretty good cystal light drinks to add to my water bottles. Something that did make me feel sick was my meds. I had to crush my zoloft and migraine medicine and I would mix it with applsauce to try and hide the taste but it doesnt work. It is so disgusting. I also had to buy the protein bullets and B100 meds...UGGGHHH lol but just keep your eyes on the prize....and a lil bit of cystal light beside me.

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

Walking was very slow at first. I have not been able to walk for the full 30 min. I have been getting pretty light headed.

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

i bought a generic chewable multivitamin with iron, protein bullet, liquid B100

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

My sleep is really off right now. I have not been able to sleep the whole night. Nausea is a big problem, I am also having a huge hunger feeling at night.

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

I think my hardest thing I am dealing with is the emotional and mental aspect of it all. I didnt realize how much it would effect me this way. I think its mostly hard when im making dinner for my family and then i sit down and eat a sugar free jello or something

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

I have 6 small incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has been 7 months now and it seems that I have been at a stand still. I am losing a averge of .8 lbs a week. cant complain cuz its still a lose.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

i notice i get a lil more respect now. i think its because i feel mmore confident
show more answers

Before & After
Roll over to see after photo

before photo after photo

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
×