kathyq

  • BMI 26.6

Obesity & Me

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

I tried every diet imaginable, but i was always hungry. I used food to cope with emotions, and when i stopped, i became seriously depressed.

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

Not fitting into seats in the theater, on a plane or bus, and feeling like everyone was staring.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

exercising without losing my breath and wearing my seat belt in the car comfortably.

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

i heard stories on TV about the surgery- mostly the risks and complications. I thought at that point that i would never risk my life to lose weight.

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

The only problem i had was that my hospital was not considered a "center of exellence for bariatric surgery" when i first started the program. That changed right before my surgery, so all went well. Make sure you check with your insurance co about this.

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

I stayed 2 nights after gastric bypass. The nurses were wonderful, i couldn't have asked for better. I brought new pj's and never wore them. Bring something to read!

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

none yet

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 excited mostly. I had been waiting for 6 months and was more than ready.

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

My biggest problem was being tired. I learned pretty quickly not to overeat, even though i still wanted to eat more. But i would do the smallest things and be tired. I'm 4 weeks out now and still tired a lot.

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

I will attend the group at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Manchester nh starting next week. I'm looking forward to it because i know the power of support groups.

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

I have 6 very small scars on my abdomen and i was surprised that there was so little.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I feel like I'm on one now at 4 weeks. Because i lost 50 lbs before surgery, they told me that my loss wouldn't be as rapid as most patients, but i'm still disappointed that i haven't lost more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel like i'm more accepted and included in groups now.
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×