Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are N G.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

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

I tried so many things as a kid and a teenager, that just deciding to go on a diet was enough to make me have cravings. In the last ten years, I found out that I did better about not eating bad things, if I had them there and gave myself permission to eat them. (I rarely want to eat candy, chips, sweets -- now if I can conquer regular food, I am home free.) I am sure that most people are not like this, but if I crave M&M's and go buy a bag, I can leave them sitting there a year unopened and not eat them. It makes my kids crazy. I have given myself permission to eat candy, french fries, whenever I want to. As long as I know I can, I never do. My kids and husband are a different matter altogether. (My son wants to lose weight now, and said we have to get rid of everything. I told him ok, if agreed that anytime later I could buy candy & leave it unopened in my bedroom without touching it.) I also conquered my clean your plate curse given to me by my parents. If I can have a take out box, then I don't have to eat it. Since I can eat it later if I want to, I don't usually.

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

That other people thought it was ok to be mean or cruel, because I was over weight. It always amazed me when people acted like they have a RIGHT to be mean or make fun of obese people.

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

I had heard about it over the last several years. I never had any interest in getting it done. Recently, someone we know had a gastric bypass. I complimented her on how much weight she lost and how good she looked. She complained she had expected to have lost more. As she walked off, several people told me she'd had a gastric bypass ....... just remind me NOT to tell them any secrets. I decided to check it out.

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

I suggest you check back with your doctor after about a couple weeks. When I went by, I discovered that my letter hadn't been done, they couldn't find it in my file. I was told that it takes the doctor 3 weeks to dictate the approval request to send the insurance co. I waited another week and called to check. I was told they would check and call back. Post Script: The office called later and and they did it the day after I went by the office. You might want to double check yours, just in case.

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

I did a lot of research ahead of time, so I didn't really have any questions. My first visit was fine, but I didn't get much new information, because everything was covered at the hospital seminar. The appointment was like a conversation you have with someone you don't know well-- no one really had much to say.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My hips, knees, ankles, lungs, and blood pressure have started to give me a lot of trouble. I am nearing the age that my mother became diabetic and want to avoid that happening to me. I feel that if I lose weight it might motivate my teenage daughter to try to exercise some and make lifestyle changes that would help her to be healthier. (Sort of, eat less because I do, and exercise more, because I do.)

How did you decide which procedure to have?

I asked my pcp that I trust tremendously, who he would go to if it was him. That Surgeon only does one procedure. Funny, but it was the one that I had decided was probably best for me. Later, I researched more on lap bands, so I did more research on it, although reversible, the adjustment problems to the fills don't sound like they would work well for me. I would rather do something, and learn to live with it once, and just do it for the rest of my life.

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 don't have fears. My pcp trusts the surgeon, and after going to the session to hear about the surgery, and his success rate for no complications, I am not worried. But I have had surgeries before,(gall bladder, hysterectoy, breast reduction, tonsillectomy) so the idea of surgery doesn't bother me as long as the surgeon is skilled.

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 husband, son, and daughter went to the hospital information session that is required by the doctor. My son is not comfortable with it, afraid that I might die, I guess. My daughter is ok with it, and my husband was hesitant, then as a little time went by seems to be getting to like the idea of a thinner wife. I have not told anyone at work. A co-worker lost a lot of weight. I told her how great she looked and asked if she would mind telling me how. She told me weight watchers -- I believed her until I accidently found her profile about the surgery online here at this site! But her secret is safe.

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

I have not told anyone from work, but I have time that I can take off so it won't be an issue.