Weight Loss Survey Responses

The following are Stacey W.'s responses to the Weight Loss Survey:

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I was "chunky" at various times as a child between ages 10 and 17. When I was involved in a sport I always slimmed down...and a few times I just decided to "go on a diet".....looking back it was not good for me....I can remember only eating plain lettuce and drinking Sugar Free Dr. Pepper for several months at a time!
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
Being uncomfortable! My feet just ache and swell, and I sometimes feel like my "extra chins" are choking me!
What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?
Dr. Warnock must have a routine....he speaks softly....he draws pictures.....he answers questions.....HE IS VERY INFORMATIVE.
What made you finally decide to have the surgery?
My aching FEET!
How did you decide which procedure to have?
???????
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 a Christian....I believe if it's your time to go, your going! Doesn't matter if your home in bed, at the Mall, Driving, or in Surgery!!!! WE HAVE NO CONTROL!
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/husband/children have been very supportive!
What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?
My hospital stay was great! I was very nice to everyone and they appreciate patients who are not demanding and offer sincere thanks!
Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?
NO COMPLICATIONS
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 was VERY tired for the first 6 weeks. Other than being tired I really had no anxiety or anything!
Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?
The first 3 weeks I would just get tired very fast! I felt fine and was able to do household tasks...It just took a while because I got so tired!
How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)
I traveled about 125 miles. It was a LONG ride home!
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.
The first month I avoided beef milk and ANYTHING with sugar! The second month I ate "bites" of things with sugar and still avoided beef and milk! In month 3 I tried EVERYTHING! NO PROBLEMS!
What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?
Minimal activity level! I WAS TIRED!
What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?
2 Flintstones Chewables each 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?
I have only vomited a few times....after eating too fast, a Sprite that was supposed to be DIET, and a Breathsaver mint (go figure)! THE HAIR LOSS THING is kinda bad! It is awful to see your HAIR EVERYWHERE! I am fortunate that I have LOTS of hair, it only looks bad to me!
What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?
WAITING for my surgery was the worst part! I have had a WONDERFUL experience, I wish everyone could have my experience!

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