Lori 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've been overweight most of my life. I've done them all...Atkins, NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, low-carb, low- fat, no- fat etc. I was interested in WLS a few years ago, but decided against it due to the bad stories I had read about.

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

I hated being overweight for many reasons. I never felt bad, didn't have high blood pressure or sleep apnea I hated that when a person saw me they knew exactly what my issues were. You can hide drug addiction, you can cover up alcoholism you cannot hide the fact that you are obese.

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

Being active, going shopping!!

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

I knew that gastric bypass was too intense for me. The Lap-Band seemed less risky and less down time.

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

I went to my pcp and told him I wanted WLS. He said that my insurance did cover it and he would sent in the referral. Six days later Michelle from my pcp's office called and gave me Dr. Krahns phone number. I called and talked to Mark and he gave me the info about the upcoming seminar, as well as directions.

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

I had surgery on Wednesday and got home on Friday. The staff at St Bernardine was great. I couldn't of asked for better.

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

No complications, everything went smoothly.

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 was worried and was very stressed. I wondered if I was going to make it out of surgery. I was concerned that I was going to be the one % of people the surgery doesn't work for.. LOL

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

I was tired but not in too much pain. I rested alot and tried to get my liquids in.

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

I live in Rancho Cucamonga and surgery was in San Bernadino.

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

Multi, iron,B complex, calcium

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

The support group at St Bernadine

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

I had it lap, there are 5 tiny scars

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.
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
×