Beth T.

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Obesity & Me

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

I guess after being overweight for nearly 40 years of my 57 years I just finally thought there was NO answer or hope of being of "normal" weight. Untill I heard of the lap. bybass and as soon as I saw a commerical on the TV within days went to see my Dr. and she was as excited as I was and made all the arrangements for my first visit. I didn't think I was depressed but in all reality I am. I never would stand up and speak or draw attention to myself.

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

There are many things about being overweight I suppose my health is the worst.

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

GO SHOPPING so far...as of 3-05 I find myself going going and going in all directions with Curves, support groups and my new business. And the things I can do with the grandkids are the most rewarding!

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

Years ago I heard about it but never even looked into it because I guess I thought it was dangerious. But really being so overweight is just as bad. Then when I heard about lap I was very excited and am more than ready!!

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

I had seen a video of him doing 2 of the different kinds of surgery so when he walked in and extended his hand I felt like I already knew him. We talked about both kinds and we desided the best kind for me was the lap. band. One thing that really impressed me was the fact that he took all the time I wanted to ask questions and visit. I had done alot of research on the net and been to several support meetings and I think this is a big plus because you already know somethings you can discuss with the Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Thinking that this way you might say my last chance for a healthy life. Just to think that "maybe" my back and knee pain will be gone, that I might not be diabetic, have high blood pressure, being able to sleep more than 2-3 hours a night. Finally going to the support meetings and seeing all the people that have had the surgery and how wondeful they are doing both physically and mentally was the final thing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After my first visit I thought I wanted the band but it seemed like after every support meeting I changed my mind...I guess the main reason I am going with the band is the fact that I will get all my vitamins and nutrition.

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?

My son was the only one that was upset about the surgery and it's because he doesn't want to know anything about it. My husband and 3 daughters are very supportive of my decision and are very glad I did it. Only after 25 pounds they all can see how much better I feel medically and physically. Now my son says maybe it's okey.

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

I has a very good experience for the first time in the hospital. Scottsbluff, NE has a wonderful hospital. I went in at 6 a.m. 6/25/02 and went home 6/26/02. I had nothing for pain after surgery but before I went home they talked me into 1/2 a pain pill for the 3 hour drive. I only took my make-up and curling iron but I never leave home without them.

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

I didn't have any trouble what so ever.

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

Probably a little scared but when I think to myself what this would mean down the road it all seemed right. I just wanted the date to finally get here. Like, I wanted the surgery a month ago...really don't like waiting for anything.

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

Well, I didn't even feel like I had surgery! My grandson was vacumming for me, he went to answer the phone and I just took over. But not for long, I remembered this is what I should NOT do. It was hard for me to take it east because I felt so good!! It is really important not to do anything that causes strain on the stomach, so really listen to the DR.

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

Scottsbluff is about 3 hours away but once an month Dr. Hollaway goes to Ogallala,NE and it's about 45 minuets away and that's fine.

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.

As far as eating there's nothing so far that I can't eat but that may change after I get my first adjustment the 5th of July. It's been a month now and I just think I eat too much. For example, I can eat a whole home made soft shell taco BUT before I would eat 3 or 4 with all the trimings like chips, salsa, cheese dip etc. I guess one isn't too bad.

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

Anything was and is an improvement because my back was always causing me so much pain I din't even go shopping plus it was hard for me to breath. My husband did it all for months. Two days after coming home I had made a list for the store, my husband started to leave when I ask him if I could go with him. I haven't missed a shopping trip since.

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

I take 2 kids chewable vitamins and 3 tums a day now.

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?

Haven't had any side effects so far, knock on wood!!

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

Right now, the waiting to have surgery is the worst! 7/27/02 it was a piece of cake and not the kind you can eat.

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

I started going to a support group out of town a month or so before I even had the surgery and right before my surgery date we started one here. Both groups are a life saver! I still go to Ogallala because you get so attached to the people you have to keep going so all my Tuesday nights are full. I recommend that any one interested at allll go to them. As of 3-05 I have started 4 support grups in Nebraska and was trained a Chapter Leader at the National Convention last Oct in Hollywood, CA.

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

One of them you can't even see, 3 are not at all bad and the big one is gonna be there awhile. As of 3-05 the scars are just hair lines.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I really wanted to loose 25 in a monthe and I did so my next is 50 in 2 months...as of 3-05 I have maintained my goal weight for over 17 months, weigh 135ish.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. The people that know I had surgery always ask me how I'm doing, how much have I lost,how I feel and most important they can see a weight loss.3-05 I'm the ame old me just less of me and with all the confidance I never had at 265.
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Before & After
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