e56700

member photo member photo

Obesity & Me

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

Probably the same as most obese people. I have dieted most of my life, and had been successful at times, but the weight always returned within a year.

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

My health,and the missed promotions and opportunities I know it has cost me at work. Also, I'm unable to keep up with my active family.

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

To early to tell

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

I've known for years about this surgery. I always thought it was for other people, not me. I was also discouraged by the re-gains I've seen.

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

No problem, the hospital took care of it for me.

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

Ask exactly what you can expect immediately after surgery, and how your short term and long term adjustments will be like. Find out about the meds you will be going home with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I fell and broke my shoulder. I could not get up without assistance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one I qualified for besides the lap band, which, after learning how long it takes to loose the weight, I opted for RNY

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 thought about it, but decided that the risk outweighed the fear.

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?

All were very supportive. Some thought I was crazy for taking such a risk, but they still backed me.

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

It was not the most comfortable conversation I had. I told my leader that I had health risks compounded by my weight, and that my doctor recommended this surgery as a viable solution. I had plenty of sick days banked so I plan to take 4-6 weeks. I have a somewhat physical job.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was very informative. We has a snowstorm that day, and I was the only one that showed. I was a private hour consultation. It was great.

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 one night. The nurses were great, but it was a very noisy place in the evening. I would bring chapstick and ear plugs. I also sent my visitors home..not in the mood for company.

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

I've had quite a bit of pain at one of my incision sites. For now I use a heating pad, and try to walk it off.

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 had less that a week to prepare, so it was a hectic time.

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

Expect to be very uncomfortable sleeping, and get help. I'm still very tired two weeks out, and still have pain. My rear got numb from sitting in one position. For me, I have not bounced back as quickly as I've heard others have.

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

I have begun to attend a Post-op support group at the hospital.

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

Minimal, less than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too early to tell

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

To early to tell
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
×