luvang68

  • BMI 41.9

Obesity & Me

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

a neverending , sometimes hopeless feeling all the time, diet after diet, losing only to regain again plus some more. I was moody just unhappy with myself all the time , feelings of self-hatred.

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

Lots of things, finding clothes to fit right , feeling miserable all the time , too many too list.

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

Painting my toes more comfortably, walking without losing my breath , playing with my dogs , sitting with room to spare on a plane, sitting comfortably at the movies.

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

I had two friends who had it done with great success, I felt it was my saving grace, which so far it has been.

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

I was approved in a week so I had no trouble.

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

It was good I felt very comfortable with Dr. Crookes , I took a list of questions and he answered them all and really reasurred me everything would be fine, which it was

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got a new client at work , I am a hair stylist and she had it and we became very close and she just kept encouraging me to go to the seminar and that was it .Plus I was ready to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor and I decided together

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?

Um I had the normal fears it is major surgery you can die, but the complications from obesity and poor health will kill you eventually so I would tell people to research it very well and listen to there hearts go with there gut , make sure they have exhausted every avenue before doing surgery , because there are risks.

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?

They were worried at first , then very supportive . Now they are so excited for me and so very very supportive.

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

They were very supportive they have known me for almost 16 years and knew all the struggling I have done with my weight, I was off 6 weeks. They were great !!

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

It was good they took good care of me , I thought I would be terrified but I was not.It was good to get home though , I was there for 4 days had the open RNY . Um I brought a robe and slippers to feel more cozy , baby wipes to freshen up when I could not get up.

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

None at all , 2 weeks after I got home I had a very small spot on my incision that was draining thats it

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

Um at first I was shocked! and then it started sinking in I got a little nervous , I am a huge worry wart! but the day of I was so calm I know I was totally ready to do this

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

the first week was tough felt like I was punched in the ribs very sore but just listened to my body and rested alot had lots of help , this is important. People should expect to be very tired and to want to sleep alot which is normal and believe me listen to your body , if your in pain take your meds it helps get you through.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

Not far

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.

Um at first I did not want to eat , so only liquids but I transitioned well , bread and pasta I dont do well with so I generally do not eat them , eat very very slow and chew your food very well

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Not too high I did start walking as soon as I came home short periods of time , then started the treadmill a half mile a day

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Centrum chewables 2 times a day

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

Just nausia a little if I eat too fast, I would just lay down for about 20 minutes.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Hmm nothing really maybe having a catheter , being really sore but those are things that didn't last long so I could deal with it

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

I am 6 weeks out and still have not gone but will start this week, I go on this site alot , its very helpful.

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

It's about 8 inches from breast bone to belly button , it's not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes some are a little I dont think they mean to but you can tell , some are jealous , and I tell them not to be jealous they can do it too.
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