Weight Loss Survey Responses

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

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

There was never two weeks that passed since I was grown that I have not dieted and failed at some point. I have been depressed about my weight and how I feel for some time now.

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

Not being able to do things because I hurt and become so tired.

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

My hairdresser at the time had used Dr. Bryan Freeman for her surgery. She told me about him.

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

My experience is not that great. The first insurance company I dealt with had a total exclusion for the surgery. I had to appeal. During the appeal, my husband's company switched to another insurance company. Once I had completed all their requirements, I was still denied. At that point I appealed again. (I have high blood pressure, my BMI is 48, I have sleep apnea, joint pain and arthritis.) Thank the Lord, the appeal was granted and I am having surgery finally after over 2.5 years of waiting.

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

My first visit was for a seminar. I was given a mass amount of information. I also found that my surgeon is a man of God and believes in prayer. That set my mind at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of hurting and being sick.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

After going to the seminar at Dr. Freeman's office, I had pretty well decided what I wanted.

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?

The only fears I had was leaving my children alone.

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 did not want me to have surgery. The rest of my family was very supportive. My mother has since decided that maybe it was a good idea.

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

My employer was very excited for me. I told her exactly what I was doing. I was off work for 2 weeks.

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 3 days. The most important thing to bring is a good support system. My daughter was mine. Breath, walk and drink water....that is so important.

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

no

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

during this first week, my husband and son in law have been my support and there have been much patience and prayers said. I have to say though, it is day 6 and I feel much much better.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Weakness, some slowness, and hunger does return, but be careful not to overeat.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

15 miles

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.

I do not eat anything that will trigger something of days before surgery. I have learned to eat slowly and chew alot. I am also discovering that food is only important to sustain my life - not as a hobby.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I am in week three and am getting around better. I still tire easily, but I try to keep on going.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take 2 Flinstone's vitamins each day and 1200 of calcium citrate.

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?

nausea was bad for the first 2 or 3 days. After that I was fine.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Anesthesia. I always have a hard time with anesthesia and coming off of it. I usually get sick

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

New Beginnings in Anniston, Alabama. This is very important

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

I had laproscopic. Very little scar.