Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Kristine A.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

If I was stressed or upset, I would eat anything I could find in sight - not thinking about what it was or how it would affect me. If it was licorice or chips or popcorn, I would eat until it was completely gone..... As I was preparing the meal, I would nibble here and there. At mealtimes, I ate my plateful or a good balanced meal and if I was hungry I would load up again - while I was clearing the table and my family was getting ready for bed, I would nibble off what was left as I rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher.....

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

My blood pressure, and after I was diagnosed with diabetes July 2002. My doctor asked me about the Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery and there was a light that went on in my head - I know this would work for me and I was ready for permanancy because I have tried the "diets" from all over and sure I would lose but only to gain all the weight back and more...... I'm an exercise nut and I was always finding ways to exercise but my body just wouldn't let go and of course, I was always hungry OR thought I was. When my mother died of her complications from stroke, asthma, diabetes, and such Thanksgiving Day 2002, it was a real eye opener...... that was the worst day of my life and still is...... it hurts.

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

I had watched on television commercials and I had thought that maybe this would be the "thing" for me and I did call in and order the pamphlet and I read it but I didn't do anymore with it...... I thought I could really handle this and get off the Meridia I was taking and have the will-power to overcome my health problems and my weight - that day just didn't come.....

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

The hospital stay was sincerely GREAT! The staff and doctors are so professional and courteous, it was like being at a spa..... they are so concerned for the success of the patient and the feelings of the patient - it made my decision more justified that I had chosen the "right path" for my life to live and become healthier. I had pre-op tests and talked with the dietician and surgeon on April 8, 2003 the surgery was April 9, 2003 at 7:30 a.m. and I was in my room and recuperating before 10:30 a.m. I had an IV in my arm until the morning of April 11, 2003 and released by Noon that day and on my way home. The most important things to bring are a pair of shorts (the robes do not quite cover all when you are up and walking!) and a baby spoon for your initial meal times and a timer to help you realize the time you need to eat has to be stretched into an hour and the timer helps remind you of when to drink or eat again......

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

No, I did not. I did have a rough time riding home in the van the 3 1/2 hours of travel. I asked the nurse to give me a shot for pain before I left and that helped alot..... The only other thing that really surprised me about the surgery was that I thought I would be starving or hungry and thirsty for food and drink and I can honestly say - in the first 4-5 weeks post-operative, I had to remind myself to eat meals with my kids, and to drink in between. I wanted to be sure to achieve the nutrition level to make this process work....

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

The surgery date was a God-send. In the past 6 months before I received my surgery date, I had appealed the insurance company 3 times and my situation was completely different than others that I read about. My husband works construction and he has our insurance thru the labor union. His labor union contracts with an administrator group that administrates and completes forms and payments before it goes to BCBS. After the 3rd appeal, I realized that I hadn't even passed that mark and the insurance company had not notice of my surgery...... I also was fortunate enough to live in Minnesota and Senator Mark Dayton's Health Helpline assisted me with the process. Without that, I may still be trying to get the information to the insurance company. I am very grateful and blessed to have the surgery authorization process all over with. My anxiety level was passed coping with, my mother passed away Thanksgiving Day, in the midst of all the appealing and praying for the authorization and previous to receiving the notice from the insurance company - I had almost given up.... I'm very ecstatic that I was still holding on by 1 thread because the day I received the authorization was a renewing/reborning experience and I wouldn't take that away from me at all. I needed that and now I can sit back and ponder my thoughts, feelings, and sadness that really turned into a positive experience to getting on the wagon towards being healthy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Memorial Weekend 2003, I have been at a standstill since the Thursday before Memorial weekend, and it is now June 9, 2003. I realize that my body needs to have time to adjust, and I feel great. The only point I want to make about my situation is that I pray that I am not done losing; my blood pressure has come down so far and I feel just wonderful and full of energy. I literally run after my 4 and 6 1/2 year old and they are so full of glee to know that Mom can now "play" with them physically and not have to take a break.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, others are more courteous and kind to me. People that would have walked right by me, stop and talk to me and remark how different I look and to keep it up, and don't go back to the way I was. I know they are trying to be caring but I do wish that the world or others that don't have the problem of obesity would stop and try to understand "our world" and how are trying to survive with all the "wonderful foods" that are coming out more and more each day and the obese people that try their hardest and their best to avoid or take one bite at a time....... and it is difficult to tell yourself "no, that food is not for me". It is easier with my surgery but today being my 2 month Anniversary, I do have to say, the temptations and cravings are in the back of my head and they are trying to win me over....... I do need to work on that the rest of my life but it is soooooo much easier now. I'm so grateful and I feel so blessed that this tool was found and invented to work for a person like me to survive and enjoy my time with my husband and my kids. I feel so good that I really and honestly just smile when others talk to me (that didn't have time for me before) and I know that I am doing my best to live and that is what counts.

What things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Playing with my kids! Walking, gardening, just being able to sit on the floor and know that my ankles and legs won't go to sleep as fast as they did pre-op and I'll be able to get myself up! My kids love it when I sit on the floor with them whether to watch t.v., play a game, or just talk and spend time together. Singing is so much easier also, I have noticed. I sing solos in church, and for other events, and I sound much clearer and the breathing isn't obscene as it was before - trying to take in a big breath, and hoping I could make to the end of a line of music - I CAN NOW!!!! and sometimes longer - YEAH!