JennaMi77

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Obesity & Me

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

In short it has been my whole life's struggle. I recall being 121lbs in grade 9, getting German Measles and sinking down to 112lbs. At 112lbs my best friends Mom told me that I looked so much better...I looked sick! My whole self image fell apart from there. I was close to 200 lbs when I had my son, and gained to 263 before asking for help medically.

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

Hand's down the worst thing was not being able to keep up with my family. We are an active family. We love to camp, hike, scuba and travel. I hated getting winded. Feeling worn out and being left behind. I've never felt pretty, but I haven't always felt worn out.

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 have had surgery, but I am not far enough out to be able to report on a change. I can tell you that I am looking forward to getting into a swimsuit and not feeling like the person "everyone is looking at" . I am looking forward to hiking some of the bigger trails with my family, and going diving without all the weight attached to my waist.

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

I found out about the surgery while doing a co-op placement in a local prison. One of the inmates told me about how she was going to apply and I hadn't even heard of it before. (tells you how sheltered I was.) At my next appointment with my family Dr. I asked if she would refer me, and to my surprise, she didn't even bat an eyelash before she agreed.

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

Because I live in Canada, there are hurdles that you need to clear before qualifying. BMI over 42, Weight 100lbs over "ideal" weight, plus you have to have tried other methods of weightloss. I cleared all of these and began my journey.

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

My meeting with Dr. Reed was great, he gave everything to me point blank, told me how I would succeed, and how I fail, how much time I should take off work and what to expect post surgery. He was frank and no-nonsence. I appreciated it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of the fad diets, spending $$ at the gym without serious losses. Dr. Reed also told me that without surgery, I would have stayed between 250 and 260lbs my entire life. That was enough validation for me.

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 am always afraid of being put under general anesthetic so that scared me. I would tell people to trust their surgeon, and the Anethetist, they are pro's and know what they are doing...

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?

For the most part my friends and family are supportive. My brother still doesn't think I needed the loss of weight, and I know there are a few Catty people at work, but as far as I am concerned, the main people in my life support me 100% and that is the positivity that I focus on.

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

My supervisor is super supportive, she had recently lost some weight herself and is excited to see the change in me as well. I was out of work for two full weeks and for the 3rd week I came back for 1/2 days. I will be back to full-time on Monday.

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

I actually didn't attend the information session, my first meeting was with the Nurse, Dietician and Councellor April 2010.

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

My hospital stay was 3 days because I wasn't having belly sounds. They wanted me to pass gas and they wanted to hear things. The important things to bring are books, slippers and jammie pants.

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

None at all!!

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

Luckily, I had a lot of other things going on in my life that I could stay distracted. I wasn't feeling any anxiety until I started my Optifast and craved solids. When the cravings started, I grabbed ice cubes.

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

Being at home, without wires hanging from me and without distractions, it was nice. I did get stir crazy about 1.5 weeks and asked to come back to work. The toughest thing I had about this period wasn't the eating, it was the small sips of water and dealing with air in my pouch. When I am thirsty, I gulp...I had to train myself that this wasn't a great idea.

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.

Off limits, almost everything. babyfood is my best friend, I am so sick of soup I barely ever touch it.
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