Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Deb P.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I have battled my weight my whole life. I started dieting in sixth grade by going to Weight Watchers, almost thirty years ago!!....I have dieting ever since. In high school and college I rarely dated, and my obsession with my weight was well ingrained. It consumed by every being, my every thought, and was a precursor for every thing I planned. In college, I tried the Cambridge Liquid Diet, more Weight Watchers, and about every fad diet that came along. My 20s are somewhat a blur, as my wieght climbed rapidly above 250 pounds. When I turned 30 I tried Health Mangement Resources...right along with Oprah I was fasting. I lost almost 150 pounds, and maintained it for about 3 days I think. In 1997 I discovered the weight loss pill, Plegin, much success, but I never slept, heart was always racing, and I craved cigarettes like food, thus my new addiction. As my weight yo yo from 190 to 250 pounds my self esteemed did the same swan dive, I found myself losing hope and resigning myself to a life of restrictions. In January of 2001, hovering near the 300 pound mark, I sat next to my husband, held his hand, and cried, I had had enough. With his support and assistance I began researching WLS which has led me to the bright and hopeful place in my life =)

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

This changes with age I think...when i was young, of course it was how i was viewed by others, particulary male others. Now the worst thing, is imagining all the things I am missing out on, I want to move, to join my husband in his world, outside my house, outside my obsession. Being overweight hurts physically and it hurts my soul.

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

My husband mentioned bariatric surgery to me in June of 2000, I was appalled he would mention such a thing. Then in January of 2001, I read about Carnie Wilson, and the success she had with WLS. Her words were, "I am finally free"...my motto has always been...."Set Me Free". I am scared to death of dying during this surgery...but I am more scared of living like this for the rest of my life.

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

He was wonderful, explained all my options, explained his preferred procedures. He was matter-of-fact about all the details and answered all of my questins completely.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I will NOT diet anymore, I want to be free, alive, and spend a quality life with my husband.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I consulted with my surgeon, and based on my weight history, my lifestlye, and what my insurance will cover, I decided on the Roux-en-Y...open...surgery.

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?

I am scared to death of pulmonary embolism, but, I discussed this with my surgeon, who informed me the best prevention is to move, to get up as soon as possible and to move around. My husband will be staying at the hospital with me, the Surgeon informed him to be sure and help motivate and physically help me get up right after surgery. I am afraid of the staple line leaking, the surgeon informed me in over 700 surgeries he has never had a leak and that he overstiches the staple line to prevent this. I am nervous about getting up, what if i'm too heavy for the nurses and my husband to help up...I'm scared of the pain, and I'm nervous about all the tubes. BUT....nothing compares to the fear of have of living the rest of my life trapped in this body!

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?

My mother and sister know of my surgery, they are very aprehensive. My father and other sister would be very upset, and frightened for me, therefore, they'll know after surgery! My friends are supportive, worried, but supportive. We have all lost a friend to a liposuction surgery, and that weighs heavy on everyonee's mind. I know they will be there for me, they're that kinda good people!

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

I will be out of work six weeks. I am a teacher for children with severe disablities, if I don't do someething soon, my weight will effect my job. My principal is very supportive, she is the best, right there, behind me all the way =)

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 7 days post op. I had one very bad night in the hospital when they had temporary staff on duty. I was afraid my suctioning wasn't working properly and my nurse didn't know what to do, when I asked her to call my Dr. she refused. The rest of the days went well, having the ng tube removed was no big deal but I was scared to death during the barium swallow test. I just prayed and prayed for no leaks and was so very relieved to hear him say I was fine. I was worried because of the difficulties Dr. Sifers had because I bled so much and it made it difficult to close. Complications were related to taking prednisone preop for asthma. Most important to me was water, I loved those pink sponge toothettes so I could keep my mouth wet. Pillows were important, lots of pillows to position me with. Having friends/family with me the whole time, my husband spend every night with me. Ladies remember pads for your period, mine was light, but I did have one. Wet wipes are extremely important as is a pair of tongs or a spoon, I still had trouble clensing myself, thank heavens for my MOM! =)

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

I had complications due to taking prednisone. My surgeon's office was notified of the pulmonary specialists decision to place me on a antibiotic and pred. but he didn't get the message. He words to my husband after surgery...."I am NEVER doing that again". It made me bleed more and made it difficult for Dr. Sifers to operate and close. I will be a bit slower to heal, thus 7 days in the hospital. I was afraid the whole time, afraid I was gonna leak and have to go back to surgery. All is well now, my prayers were answered.