Over_the-Rainbow

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Obesity & Me

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

My emotions, like my eating habits, were out of control. I ate when I was happy, sad, frustrated, elated, tired, and more.

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

The worst thing about being overweight was the feeling of being trapped in a huge blob of flab. There were many times I'd notice strange looks in warmer months as I thought I'd found some pretty cute (2X) clothes.

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

Wearing size 14 slacks and jeans and size small tops. Being able to cross my legs and not have one slide down. Being able to feel bones in my arms, legs, ribs, hips, and butt.

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

I first found out about bariatric surgery during 2001, and having worked at Medica, the surgery had been approved for employees. I attended a support group for seven months, and was scheduled for RNY surgery 12/14/01. My initial impression was fear, as I was hearing about a lot of people who had had leaks and infections. However, 12/02/01 I awoke with distorted vision, ended up at FVSD ER, was admitted, and treated the first five days for mild stroke. After brain MRI and spinal tap, the diagnosis was MS. In March 2006 during my annual physical, my GP told me it was time to look at weight-loss surgery.

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

With the MS, I have been on SSI Disability, with Medicare as primary hospitalization insurance, and Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities. The insurance approval took no longer than two weeks.

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

My first visit with Dr. Benn was very comfortable, and I really liked his demeanor and knowledge.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

At the informational session one week after my GP recommended surgery. The information was clear and specific, with time to ask questions.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I wanted laproscopic RNY with gall bladder removal, because of limited complications.

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 remained confident in my GP's decision, and with the information I'd ammassed at FVSD, was more eager than afraid of anything. Until the very night before surgery, I freaked, and documented all my wishes for my cat and things "just in case." I find this is very normal.

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?

I told my four siblings on Father's day, one month prior to surgery. Their reactions were cold. My parents have been supportive from the time I found out. My friends and coworkers have been extremely supportive.

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

I told my boss I would be having weight-loss surgery sometime during July, and since I only work every other weekend, and returned to work with restrictions after two weeks off went very well. I'm part-time receptionist at an assisted-living facility for the elderly, and on Saturday mornings the receptionist is required to deliver clean folded laundry (in baskets) to residents. I was unable to do that for four weeks, merely two work days of the bi-weekend schedule.

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

My stay in the hospital was alright. It was noisy, and several younger nurses didn't seem too aware of gastric bypass patients. One LPN had set something (don't recall what) on my stomach, and I told her I'd just had surgery and that hurt. My surgery was Wednesday afternoon, and I went home Friday evening, as a friend came four hours away to stay with me before I could be discharged. The only thing I brought to the hospital was a loose sundress to wear home, and Blistex lip balm. (Although I did have other things along).

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

No complications whatsoever.

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

Once I got scheduled, I was just excited to have a living nightmare soon be over. I did not feel any anxiety at all until the night before surgery.

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

A lot of discomfort, although I tried not to use pain medications, I held a pillow to my stomach area as I got up and into bed.

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

FVSD WLS is the best! I could call anytime and receive timely answers to questions.

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

My six little scars are much less than I'd expected, and I know they'll continue fading for some time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I recall having several plateaus during the third and fourth months, although with consistently getting minimal 60 gm protein and minimal 64 oz water, my weight loss is consistent.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Am constantly receiving the nicest compliments from people I know, and even strangers are nicer.
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Before & After
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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.

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