Nicole F.

Obesity & Me

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

I have known about bariatric surgery for a while. After fighting it I made the decision and a year later I had the surgery.

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

Moving, sitting in chairs, being out of breath. Knowing I wasn't in the best health.

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

I'm able to fit into desks at school. And I can walk to class now without being winded.

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

Do research before going in. Ask questions. Clarify everything.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon explained why I should have the Proximal RNY. I plan on having children.

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 had more fear of the pain. My way of dealing with this was making sure I was heavily medicated. In addition I decided to have a Lap RNY.

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?

Only told my Mom and Dad, they were very supportive. They knew I needed to lose weight and were willing to support me in anything I tried.

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

Did tell them. Just told them I was having surgery. It's my own business. I gave them ample notice and had my surgeon write a letter stating that I was having a medically necessary surgery. If your employer asks more information I wouldn't give it. Ask why they need to know this. Would they ask someone for details on cancer therapy etc?

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 less than 2 days. Bring a robe and shoes that you can slip into, maybe sandals, make sure they are flat and that you don't have to bend over to put them on. Everything else is provided for you

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

I had a problem breathing. But the team was aware of this and gave me a special treatment. I have asthma and I made sure everyone knew this.

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

At first tired. Then you begin having tons of energy. Becareful lifting and cleaning.

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

Rest drink liquids, and STAY AWAY FROM THE FOOD CHANNEL!!!!!

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

I traved about 300 miles. It didn't effect my aftercare.

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.

Couldn't eat much of anything, didn't want to either...but I was often thirsty.

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

I'm to busy. I try to read the lists and newsgroups but I've researched what I will need to do in order to lose weight and keep it off.

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

Have 4 tiny scars. Lap RNY. Noticeable but worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I don't really weight myself. I can tell I've lost a lot just by the way my clothes fit. Everything hangs off and I'm trying to wash things in hot water to make thing shrink...not working though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've noticed people comment on how tall I am.
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