Weight Loss Survey Responses

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

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

I am 28 years old.I have been considered morbidly obese almost my whole life.I never fit in with anyone.I never felt normal.I never had a guy ask me out to a dance in school.I could go on for hours about all the screwed up things I have experienced,but that is not what is important.Now it is a health issue.Some days,I don't wanna get up,I get so tired from doing nothing.My circulation is deteriorating.It is hard to sleep.I have broken furniture.I cannot stand to look at what I have become.I feel empty and alone.I have tried diets,and exercise.I just cannot seem to beat this battle.I was feeling hopeless.

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

The embarrassment of going to a restaraunt and having the hostess tell me a chair without arms is better than a booth seat.Or going on an airplane and getting the sneer when I ask for an seat belt extender.Of going on a amusement park ride with my daughter and being too fat to fit in the damn ride.Of knowing a man I love won't even look at me without feeling sorry for me and worrying about me having a heart attack.Squeezing in and out of cars,wearing a bathing suit at a public pool,losing my breath from walking up stairs,men shouting obscenities from cars,and the list goes on and on.

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

I learned of bariatric surgery on t.v. A commercial for surgery prompted me to call and request info. That was two years ago.I feel it is something I must do.

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

My insurance denied me because of results from psychological testing.I had to go on antidepressants and see a therapist,then be re-evaluated.At first,I was angry,then after the meds really helped,I realized they were only looking out for my best interest.

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

Ask as many questions as you can.This meeting is very informal.Be prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am a single mom,I need to work,and I believe this will help me be a better mom.

How did you decide which procedure to have?

They decided for me.

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 feared death,I think most people do.It is perfectly natural,but don't let it overrule you.

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 friends were so supportive and caring.My co-workers did so much for me,I could not begin to explain how much they mean to me.My family was not supportive at all,but they never really were.

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

My supervisor was really excited,proud,and understanding.I will probably be out of work a total of 3-4 weeks.

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

The hospital stay was nothing to be desired.I was in for 4 days.

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

My only complication was my incision did not heal correctly,and is partially open and packed with gauze.

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 nervous and excited.It went by fast,and I just went with the flow.

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

REST,trust me.I overexertted myself a couple times,and it only made me fell worse.

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

20 minutes from hospital.

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

I walked everyday,did housework to keep busy.

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 had an excessive belching problem,which also caused severe nausea.This was the worst of it.It seemed the more active I was,the worse it becam.After about 7 weeks out,it was tolerable.I do have occasional dry heaves,but I do not consider it a bad thing.I usually feel better afterwards.

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

A long healing process.For me,It was very hard to be laid up for so long.I am a single mom,always stayed active,and it was hard to get back on my feet.

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

UGLY

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I receive many compliments daily.It has become easier to accept them,and I feel good when I get them.