puffie

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been up and down with my weight. Coming from a very athletic background, I used to kickbox and play football. I know very aggressive for a woman but hey check out my pic. Anyway the last moment I can remeber was me and my wife taking my daughter out for her bday along with our other children and going to the jersey shore. I would not get on rides because I knew I couldnt fit but one ride my wife was sure I could so for her and my daughter I tried and the seat thing would not clamp down. That was the most humiliating thing for me having to get off that ride. That was the last straw for me.

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

See above

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

Fit smaller clothing.

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

Well I knew of the surgery years ago and always wanted it but never pursued it. Erly this year my pulminologist recommended I check it out so I did. But ultimately it was a coworker that found Dr. Stroms seminar and told me about it and finally I contat the hospital.

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

Getting approval was fast and easy really. I finished all my requirements and applied. By the next week I was approved.

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

It was very informative he explained the whole procedure and every step in the hospital. He gave me a ton of information and began setting up my surgery date. I got a date that first meeting, so I knew what time I had.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Approval.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am a all or nothing person so decided on the RNY was easy I wanted no chance of me getting out of it with the lap band and having it removed.

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 feared the anathesia because I spoked. Now after surgery I fear having to have my gall bladder removed although I have no complications now. I havent even thrown up yet.

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 wife is all the real support I have. My uncle was saying its so dangerous and I said so is staying this way.

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

She was thrilled I was making a big step to get healthy, since she strives for health as well with her age.

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

I have no scars really.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every now and then I stall, but then the next time i weigh in i've lost 10lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have always been well appreciated with friends and family, so not really.
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