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Obesity & Me

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

My battle had been ongoing for over 25 years. I would love to eat sweets, and fatty foods. After reaching age 51 the weight started to pile up and i couldnt seem to get rid of it no matter what i did. Then i was diagnosed with Diabetes. Year after year different comorbidities adding to my poor health. Emotionally I didn't like the way i felt or looked. I began to not recognize the person in the mirror.

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

Worrying about when I might have a heart attack or stroke, due to all the extra weight i was carrying. I am 5'7 and at my worse weighed 278 lbs. I felt miserable and had no energy,and chronic back pain. I had gotten to the point where i had to pull up a chair to the kitchen sink to wash dishes this was my absolute worse! I found it hard to remain standing for more than 10 minutes.

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 enjoy being able to move around with energy, I love walking for hours in the mall, I love being able to get things done in record time because I now have the energy to do so. I love being able to go shopping and not having to buy plus sized clothes. I love being able to be full from a small portion, I also love being able to push away from the table, and I really love being in control of myself!

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

I have friends who had the surgery and i did my own research.

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

I didn't have a hard time with my poor health record for the last 10 years it was easily documented and the Insurer approved me pretty quickly.

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

My stay in the hospital was brief only 24 hours. I was given a soft diet of jello, broth, tea for starters. I was encouraged to move around as soon as I could so I got up the next morning and started walking all around the halls. I did that several times and I was released early that morning. The staff was very nice and encouraging to me. They told me that I was an excellent patient and seemed to be inspired compared to some of the others they had seen who seemed to be depressed.

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

no complications 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?

I was trying to lose 10-15lbs pre-op. I was a little anxious about undergoing a major surgery, but also excited about the prospects of finally getting rid of my weight. I did a lot of viewing of "Youtube" videos of other Bariatric patients and their stories. My faith helped me with my anxieties.

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

Be prepared to adjust to life without food. I was ready. Although at times I wondered if I would ever feel normal again. I couldn't eat much at all. When I did eat I would vomit 85% of the time. This went on for about 2-3 months. My doctor advised me to eat slow, sip slow, and dont eat and drink at the same time. This is something that takes time to adjust to if you have always had a drink with your meal it takes some time....but now I can eat most anything i want in proper portions without any vomiting at all.

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

I chose not to participate in any formal aftercare program because I am a Health & Wellness advocate myself. I am dedicated to staying healthy. I am under the constant supervision of my General Practioner, and my Surgeon. I have monthly visits with my regular doctor and every 3 months with my surgeon.

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

I have 5 scars from the Laparoscopic tools used. I am African-American and my scars have Keloided. It is ok, It is a small price to pay for all the weight I've lost, and how good I feel! My skin keloids easily from any injury. I didn't really know what to expect - but, It is something I can live with.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am still losing weight although now it is coming off slower than the initial months. I am so glad to have my tool. Whenever I want to overeat the pressure that I feel from the pouch being full will stop me from doing that. This is one reason why I wanted this type of surgery after trying and failing at diets for years. This surgery sets you up so that when you want to cheat you won't go over board with it--if you do - you will feel the pressure and it is a very uncomfortable feeling.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I notice that all my friends and family are amazed when they see me--they almost don't recognize me because of the drastic change in my body and face! I have lost 63 lbs so far - my goal is to lose 100 lbs, so I don't have far to go now.
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