Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Julie D.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I have always been over weight, and it has been hard. I fell in love with my husband overweight and have been happy while over weight, but never had much self-confidence. I never had any will power or self-esteem either. It was like I could not control myself.

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

The worst thing for me was what other people thought of me. I have always been a sensitive person and it really bothered me that people would snicker and make fat jokes.

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

A girlfriend of mine mentioned that a friend of hers had a RNY done and that she was about the same size as me. She mentioned this website and that her friends insurance paid for it. I was interested, so I came to this website and began researching. I found my surgeon on here and have been happy with every aspect of my research and surgery.

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

I was in the hospital for only 4 days and the staff was great. I did have a temp nurse that was horrible, she dropped a stack of blankets on my incision and when I yelped in pain she casually said "Oops." She also told me on the 2nd night after surgery that her husband had the surgery that I did and he lost a bunch of weight and then gained it all back again. I wanted to scream... nopt what you tell someone in pain that is trying to make a life alteration. Yikes! I complained about her and someone came to my room to hear my complaint and was very sympathetic.

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 felt pretty weak in the weeks following surgery. It sucked that I ate only bland food and I really felt as if my best friend, food, had died. My family was very supportive though.

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

I an the co-chairperson of New Reflections, the weight loss support group that Dr. Stoner hosts for his patients. I go once a month and it is so very helpful. If I miss a month, it relaly bothers me. I have made friends there, we have great dicussions and share experiences, we also do a clothing exchange every few months.

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

I have about a 13 inch scar from breastbone to belly button. I pretty much expected it to be this big, but it is pretty thick up towards the top. I have also lost quite a bit of weight, so it kind of sags.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have plateau'ed twice since surgery... at 200 for about 6 weeks and again at 192 for about 4 weeks. I recently broke my 192 plateau and lost 4 more pounds. I tried everything but my dietician suggested a clear liquid diet for 24 hours, I was on the verge of trying that when I broke both plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and that really bothers me. People will look at me and they treat me like I am smarter. Peole I know make comments about my weight constantly. I am glad that I look better, but I was a productive member of society when I was obese, too.

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

I can run and play more than before. I also enjoy not being out of breath after walking up stairs or walking a few blocks.