Patricia C.

Obesity & Me

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

If I was just doing normal eating I would eat fast foods a lot. If I wanted something, I ate it. In talking with several friends I don't really think I eat a tremendous amount more than them. There are times though when I can't seem to get enough to eat. When I am dieting I do very well while my mind set is good. Have stayed with a program for as long as 9 months, lost 70 pounds. I do not know what happens in my mind to cause me to quit but I do and I gain all my weight back.

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

The worst things about being overweight to me is my energy level is so low, I can't take long walks, I can't play with my grandkids or take them to the zoo because I have to walk longer than I am able, not feeling like any clothing looks good on me, my hips hurt, my knees hurt, can't squat down to work on a computer, can't just get right up off of a sofa, can't go up 2 flights of stairs and be able to talk when I get to the top.

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

Cut my grass with a push mower, go up and down stairs easily (I don't even mind if I just came upstairs and forgot something and have to go right back down to get it), cross my legs, pull my car seat way up so I can reach the pedal, not worry about if I fit in a booth, shop in the regular size clothes section, smile and not worry about how many chins are showing, clean my house and not be exhaused, the list goes on.

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

My brother had OPEN RNY in October 1999 so I remember learning about it in June 1999 or so. He explained the procedure to me.

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

My hospital stay was great. Though I did have to watch the food they brought me. I dumped on some juice because it had sugar in it. My nurses were the best. I can't think of a think to bring other than a slip-on pair of slippers and maybe a robe.

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 didn't have any anxiety. I felt sore and worn out but I expected that. I wasn't sore enough to require pain meds.

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

My friend and I started our own local support group. We just meet with other WLSer's and share our stories. There is no medical advisor there but we are hoping that changes soon. We also started our own online Yahoo group for our local area. It's great. To me it is extremely helpful. We ask questions and share our successes.

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

I had LAP so I have several scars but they are just a little pink. They are fine - don't bother me at all and yes, I did expect them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Whew, in my 2nd month after surgery I went 10 days without loosing and that was scary since it was only about 45 days after surgery. But the next week I lost about 7 pounds. I have gone a week without loosing but I don't really call that a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel like people look at me differenly now but I really can't say if it is because they are or because I see myself differenly now. I don't feel that others look at me and say to themselves "boy, she sure is big" I feel "normal" now. My confidence level has sky rocketed.
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Before & After
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