Marylandqtpie

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Obesity & Me

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

My weight has always been on a yoyo but once I got closer to 40 it just kept going up.

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

Not being able to enjoy the same things that everyone else enjoys such as jetskiing, boating, sitting in a movie theater.

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

More energy to walk my dog and throw a ball for him. Going up and down stairs isn't bad anymore.

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

I found out from a friend that was considering it and initially I was against it.

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 problems to really speak of in getting approved for the surgery. My company was great.

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

I had done all of my research prior to the visit so by the time I got there I was ready to schedule the surgery

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My primary doctor thought that I had diabetes and that put enough of a scare in me. I don't want to die young.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a long lasting result.

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 wasn't afraid of any complications because I had total faith in my surgeon- if Oprah endorsed him I felt that I was safe. The only thing I worry about these days is making sure that I do what the doctor tells me to do.

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?

Most of my family doesn't know yet- I'm only one month out. But my friends were very supportive and continue to be my support system. They have been wonderful and it's great to hear them say how great I look.

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

She was concerned for my safety but supportive. I was only out for 2 weeks.

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

I was in an out within 24 hours. Take the pain meds when they are offered and get up and walk, walk, walk as soon as possible. Bring a pillow from home, chapstick and clothes that are loose because your stomach will be swollen and anything tight will hurt.

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

None

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 tried to keep busy and think about when it would be all over.

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

The first 3 days are HELL!! Scary and Painful. I cried. Couldn't get comfortable, had a constant stomach ache and all I wanted to do is sleep.

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

I really don't have one except for this website.

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

I had a laparoscopy so I have 6 tiny incisions. 5 weeks out and they are still purple and a little raised.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are more friendly
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