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Obesity & Me

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

I tried several times to lose the weight, but also used it as my security blanket so maybe didn't really try too hard. I am just getting older and realized its time to do this for me.

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

being an embarrasement to my family

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

I could do it before, but sex is WAY better. And I actually enjoy working out now, go figure.

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

my family kept bringing it up and we had friends and family that had it done. The thought of any surgery freaked me out completely.

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

I had no difficulty with insurance, from the day I asked the Dr about it to the day of my surgery was 6 weeks total, it is a good thing cause if I had time to think about it I may not have followed through.

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

I went in on a Monday morning, I got lucky and got the first of the day. My stay was fine, but I was anxious to get back to my own home. It was nerve wracking for me to be there and with all the coming and going of the staff it was hard to rest. I went home Wed afternoon. I have to add that my nurses were outstanding.

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

No

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 terrified, I knew I was not gonna survive it. I kept reading the memorials and freaking mysefl out, I lost 23 lbs before surgery because I was so nervous and figured the more I could lose ahead of time the better. I just talked to anyone who would listen and came on OH alot.

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

Just take it slow and DO WHAT YOUR TOLD. and WALK WALK WALK as much as you feel ok with. Don't be a hero and take your meds if you feel like you want to. I basically was either laying down, walking, and trying to make sure I drank as much as I could with the "sipping" thing. I could not do the protien shakes so I relied on skim milk and puddings, don't stress yourself out about getting in all your liquids and protein, it won't happen at first but you will be ok.

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

It was about a 45 minute drive for us on the CA highways.

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 started trying to do the potein shakes and couldn't do it, so I realized that I could do skim milk. The first three weeks of liquids get very irritating and you start to get angry about what you've done, the second three weeks start off great cause your sick of liquid but then you get sick of pureed and get angry again. then you are thrilled to be able to eat "real" food but are terrified that something will make you dump or vomit or hurt your pouch. I have had no problems with any food I have tried at all and it sounds stupid but I wish I did have more problems. I do keep away from sugar and always try to eat protein first and still drink skim milk all day.

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

Right after surgery I could not stop moving, it was weird, but I could not be still for any length of time. It was like I was trying to make sure I was alive and could move. I walked in circles if I had to, even when I went to the dr's for my 3 week check up I couldn't sit still in the waiting room, I had to walk in circles. and I got up almost every hour and walked either outside during the day or around in circles at home if it was at night and every day increased how long I walked.

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

I take iron, flintstones, biotin, 2 tums w/ calcium every day and a b-12 2 times a week.

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?

I only dumped once after eating sweet pot's on thanksgiving ( I think I did it on purpose ) my hair is falling out but not to a point that bothers me much, My sleep has never been great and is still not great, but seems better. I just take it slow and easy on days I don't feel so good and everyone is very understanding.

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

writing letters to my family in case I didn't survive and worrying about leaving my son behind. None of it was as bad as I thought it was going to be, it was all very scary and I still worry about complications, but I just take it one day at a time.

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

I mostly use this web site, the support group meetings are pretty far away for me, I have gone to 3 total before and after surgery and would like to go again. It is helpful when others around you don't quite "get it" to talk to others that do.

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

I have six small incisions and they are super great, I was glued shut and didn't have to worry about stitches. I was amazed by this and very happy they didn't have to do it open.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

OMG, I have had so many plateaus and they are SOOO frustrating, but I have noticed that when I plateau in pounds If I measure I usually have lost some inches and that makes me feel better. Also if I don't eat or drink right it effects my weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my husband is afraid I will leave him. Some people at work are jealous and rude, some people could not be happier for me and are very supportive and one weird thing is the comments I get on how pretty my eyes are. I think I get the same amount of attention, its just for a different reason than "look how big she is".
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