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Obesity & Me

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

I had lost well over 500 pounds throughout my lifetime. I needed something more permanent to keep me motivated. My sister has weight-loss-surgery in 2003 & lost about 170 lbs & still keeps the weight off. At that time I was on a hospital based program & lost 100 lbs. I gradually regained almost all of it back.

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

The inability to move around, to pick up & hold my granddaughter; the way some people look at you; not fitting into airplane seats & needing a seat belt extender; always being aware of the size of the chair before sitting down.

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 had VSB on 10/4/11. as of this time I have lost almost 50 pounds. I can walk better & longer. I need less medication for high blood pressure & arthritis pain. Traveling is no longer a chore, & I can play more easily with m y granddaughter. Update 5/6/12: Lost 80 lbs to date- I feel great, am more active. Went to the Columbia SC zoo with my family around Easter, & was able to walk around the entire day without any problems Even my son commented that he thought this would have been too hard for me but was happy that I did it. I no longer need a seat belt extender in my car or on an airplane. I fit into the seat without taking part of my husband's seat! I enjoy life more- I didn't realize how much my weight affected how I looked at life- I thought I was happy before but there is no comparison to how I feel now. Update 7/25/12 95 pounds! I can't believe it. The weight is still coming off but not as rapidly. I developed a hiatal hernia in Feb & finally had corrective surgery. No more reflux now. This was the most annoying problem. but is it fixed now. I was actually able to march with the American Legion Auxiliary in several parades over the past several months, without shortness of breath, or leg pains. I finally got rid of all of my "fat" clothes. I went from a size 30/32 to a size 18/20. Update 10/21/14 Down 180 pounds! I have had 2 of 3 planned plastic surgery procedures . The last one scheduled for 10/31/14 will remove the hanging skin on my thighs. I had a lower body lift which removed 20 pounds of belly fat and skin. Liposuction on my thighs prior to this next procedure took off about 15 pounds from each thigh. I can now wear size 12 pants, down from size 32. I had no goal when I started on this journey. My post op course was relatively up eventful, but for the need for hiatal hernia surgery 8 months after surgery. I continued to to lose weight steadily, without any plateaus. I hate feeling stuffed when I over eat, so I don't. I am still having to remind myself to eat slowly, chew food very well and don't drink with meals. I can do so much more now than ever before. My blood pressure medication has been drastically cut down, sleep apnea is gone. The VSG was the best thing I did for myself. I only regret that I waited so long to do it. Update 11/25/14 Last plastic surgery was finally done. I am now a size 10-12. I haven't been that size since I was 12 years old! What amazes me most is that I still don't recognize myself at this weight. I still see a "fat" body. well not as fat as before but still big. People tell me I look tiny, I think, me- tiny. No way! It has been over 3 years & I don't intend to gain again. I get on the scale every day. I eat healthier, but there are still foods that I can't tolerate, that seem to get "stuck" - that means I must stop eating for a while get up & move around before finishing my meal. I continue to follow the rules about food as well, although I often want to drink water at mealtimes. I don't even put a glass on the table to avoid temptation. I don't regret the VGS and the recent plastic surgery.

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

I knew about bariatric surgery for quite some time- My sister had surgery in 2003 & has kept off almost 160 pounds since that time. I was & still am so proud of her. When I initially discussed this with my internist in 2003 he did not recommend surgery for me, but sent me to a hospital based supervised program. I lost 106 pounds over the next 2 years, but gradually gained most of the weight back. This time the MD felt that bariatric surgery was safer & he had a great deal of confidence in the surgical group at Winthrop Hospital. He recommended that I look into the program, & I liked what I saw. Dr. Barkan has a superb staff in his office. They made the pre-op period very easy, & were very helpful.

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

The surgeon's office took care of all of the details of getting approval. My insurance required 6 months of medical follow up before approving surgery. My advice to others is to remain positive & be persistent. Have both your medical doctor & surgeon help you in this.

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

I had done extensive research on the procedures, the surgeon & the hospital before my first visit. I attended an informational seminar, and spoke to several others who had weight-loss surgery, some who had roux-en-y, banding & lap-bands placed. I also consulted with my medical doctor who was very encouraging. at the time of the meeting I had a list of questions & concerns to address with the surgeon. He addressed all of my concerns & I felt confident to allow him to do the procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband & my medical doctor were major factors in helping me decide to go ahead with the surgery. I was disgusted with how I looked & the fact that I was not able to really enjoy my granddaughter.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My medical doctor strongly suggested the vertical sleeve by-pass.

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?

My major fear was not from the complications of surgery but from problems with anesthesia. These were addressed by the surgeon & his staff over the 6 month work-up. Anyone facing this surgery should voice their concerns with the surgeon & his staff.

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 & friends were very supportive during the decision making process & continue to be since the surgery. Without my husband's support & encouragement this would have been very difficult.

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

not applicable since I am retired.

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

The informational seminar was very helpful- There were patients who shared their stories- the highs, as well as the lows. The approach was realistic, not idealistic. As a requirement for surgery we had to attend 2 post op seminars as well to get a better prospective of what to expect after surgery.

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

I was in Winthrop University Hospital, where I previously worked as a nurse. So for me it was a very positive experience. I had surgery on Tuesday & stayed until Thursday evening. I spent most of my time visiting with friends who saw my name on the surgical schedule.

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

I developed a hiatal hernia & had a lot of reflux. This was surgically corrected in May & now all is well.

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 had more anxiety before the hiatal hernia repair than with the initial bariatric surgery.

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

The worse part was the clear liquid supplements. They were the most foul tasting stuff I ever drank. I was only on them for a week, and was very thankful to advance to full liquids.

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

no scar, per se. only 5 small laproscopic marks.
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