Lindagb

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.

Before WLS, I thought there was never going to be another "skinny" me. I began to hate myself and the way I looked. Being overweight, I began to doubt myself and my ability to do everyday things, including my job. I hated the fact that I could not go and run around with my kids and play sports with them. I hated the fact that I could not go "out with the girls" without looking what I felt as disgusting. Most importantly, I hated that I could not go shopping and buy "cute" clothes to wear.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is the way that other people, skinny people, would look at me. I felt as if they were staring at me with disgust. I felt like I was not as valuable and not as worthy as a beautiful thin girl. So the mental and emotional battle was the worst part for me. I knew the physical was taking a real toll on my life, but the thought that someone did not like me simply because I was fat really hurt me.

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

Walking the track! I walk alot anyway. But before I used to do it because I had too. Mainly for work. But now I actually enjoy doing it because I know it is going to help make me me again.

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

I first found out about it from my sister who had it done in August 2005. Followed shortly by my Mom in November 2006. I began to check into in October 2006 and had a surgery date in late January 2007. At first I was very skeptical over WLS and really didn't think my sister was sane when I heard what she was going to do. No offense Connie! But then I watched her over the next year...and WOW what a difference WLS made for her. I soon became convinced.

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

My approval was rather easy and my doctors office handled every bit of it. I didn't have to do any paperwork. I didn't have to call anyone. I d idn't have to do anything but show up to my doctors appointments. It was such an easy process for my end. The advice I have for other people at this stage is: DO NOT GIVE UP AND DO NOT GIVE IN!!!!! Insurance companies need to realize it is cheaper to pay for WLS than to replace knees, hips and every thing else with being over weight. They also need to realize that being obese is not something we want: it is something that just happens to the majority of us and most of us need help getting rid of it.

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

My first visit was a LONG visit. Several hours really. I met many new people and learned many interesting things. So be prepared. It may seem very long and even boring at times, but it was all well worth it!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had watched my sister, who had the surgery in August 2005 go from nearly 400 lbs to a lovely 160 lbs in less than a year....right then and there I knew WLS was for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I actually chose my doctor and he decided on the procedure. I had the open RNY. This is my doctors main choice and I trusted him with my life and let him make the decision. For after all he is the doctor and he would know what was best for my particular case.

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 didn't really have any fears and dying was not an option. I was a little nervous, but none were really what one could consider fears. My personal advice is if you are having "fears" then maybe you should chose another surgeon or forget WLS altogher. Maybe you just are not ready for the new you and to make the required lifestyle changes necessary for this surgery.

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 family supports me 110%. Most of friends did too. However we all have at least one friend, which I will not mention names, who think you are crazy for doing this and try to say anything to discourage you. DONT LET THEM! I have one response for the "friend" that did not support me on this. When I do loose all my excess weight I can not wait to go and ask to borrow a set of scrubs for work from her! She might get angry with me, but if you let them break you down when you know what you are doing is right, then you will not make it through this life changing ordeal. Chin up everyone! : )

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

I am very lucky and have a wonderful boss! Thank you Barbara for being so understanding. LUV ya! I simply explained I was going to have surgery. We discussed it and she asked me questions. She is a RN, so she even gave me some insight on what to expect. Then told me if there was anything she could do then I was to call her! I got lucky!

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

My stay at UMC was great! I had great nurses and great care givers. Very polite and professional staff. I went in on a Thursday morning about 5 in the morning and was released by noon on Friday the following day. I took mostly comfort items. My favorite, and biggest, pajamas. Magazines to read. My phone with games on it. And a couple of card games. Skip Bo helps pass the time very nicely!

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

I did not have any complications with the surgery. I was lucky.

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

The first couple of weeks after getting my date went fine. As the time drew nearer I did begin to feel anxious somewhat, but it was easily controlled with distraction techniques. Like crosswords and focusing on work related issues.

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

The first week was tough! I am not going to lie! But afterwards it gets easier. By the second week I was almost flying high!

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

I do not have an after care group other than attending my checkups with my doctor. My sister and mom have been there to help with any questions I have had, so that has helped alot.

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

My scar at first was looking really horrible. I actually thought it was going to be very uneven and nasty looking. However, it has turned out rather nicely and looking better with each passing day.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any plateau experiences as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really treating me differently. Except trying to make my meals smaller! And trying to eat around what I can eat.
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
×