Vickie G.

Obesity & Me

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

I ate to feel good and then afterwards would feel worse because I knew what I'd done to my body. It was a constant circle.

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

Not feeling comfortable in my own skin. I hated going out in public because I knew how terrible I looked and felt.

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 enjoy shopping for clothes and fixing my hair in stylish ways. Before it all seemed like a big waste. I went to the carnival and they put my husband in as the "heavy" rider. I can plot down on the floor and then get back up just as easy. I can tie my shoes just by bending over. I can sit in chairs with arms. I can feel like I look good.

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

I'd been hearing about it on the news but my primary physician is the one who brought it up and suggested I have it done.

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

I stayed at the hospital for 4 days. It trully is the most pain I'd ever been in so I was already questioning my decision. For the most part the nurses were helpful but my husband did most of my care. I'd suggest taking someone for support. I really wanted a bath so my toiletries were very important to bring and loose clothing for the ride home.

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

I never did have any complications.

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

After about a week I had little to no pain. I was very tired because of the lack of food and the liquid diet was killing me. I would freak out every couple of days over the food issue but then I'd be OK and we'd go on. After about 1-2mnths this became just the way I lived and there was little thought put into every meal ect...

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

I tried a WL Support group but ended up never going back. After the initial month I really did do alot better. I visited a dietician to answer some of the questions regarding food choices that I felt my surgeon was not right on. She was very helpful and I'd suggest if anyone doubts what the surgeon says about food choices that they get a second opinion.

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

My scar is only 3 inches and it was tiny compared to what I thought it would be like. However it is raised and it itches constantly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The dreaded plateau happen every few weeks in the beginning. Then every month or so it seems. I'm not loosing much at all right now but I haven't been exercising like I was either. Exercise is still key to sucess.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! They are more willing to look at me and compliment how I look. It also seems like I'm taken more seriously.
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