rebecca W.

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Obesity & Me

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

Very depressed,I tried to lose weight because of diabetes,and being hospitalized do to pancreatis,the only thing I lost was hope.I tried to walk,and eat less,and still,the scales never moved much 15-20 pds or so then gained back that amount,and then some.

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

Diabetes,and health issues!

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 and running. Its nice to actually have men open doors, instead of looking discusted at the way my body was. A friendly smile goes a long way,it sure makes life easier.

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

A friend told me about the band,and my Dr. said no band,because of the diabetes!Then my Dr. explained other choices,she would refer other wls.such as DS.because it cures 98 percent of diabetes. I was switched DS on Dec 23rd 2009

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

Medicare was no problem. Find a respectable surgeon,who preforms all surgeries,DS<RNY<SLEEVE<BAND, they have the best experince,they are not limited to,RNY<BANDs.

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

My surgeon DR. Anthone, was warm and caring,from day one,even though I had traveled out of state,Im in better health,I left the hospital free of diabetes,yea no more insulin shots 4x daily,no pills!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To be more healthy!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

DS has the best stats,and two differant Dr.s agree,its the best long term!

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 stayed calm,up to the last 3 days before surgery,then I mentaly reminded myself,this was for health reasons,and keep myself bussy,for the time I had left waiting. Time flew by,next I was being prep to go to surgery,I was so calm and very ready.

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 grown childern was concerned about dying,there bio father,family has 2 drs.and they fill my sons head with fears.My sons finally was relieved that there were no complications,and how great I,ve done.My husband always stood by my decision.All my,childern and family,are proud of my progress,and my husband,is just trilled with the loss.

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

does not apply

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was very informative. Yes I was glad to receive the knowlege.
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