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Obesity & Me

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

I had the VBG done 20 years ago. I was one of the newbies at that time when most insurance companies still considered it in the "experimental stage". I had lost 80 lb., but over the years I gained it all back and then some. After a long time of struggling I gave up. I was up to 300 lb. now. I was afraid of sitting in some lawn chairs for fear I would break it; I was afraid to sit in a booth for fear I wouldn't fit. 4 years ago when my Mother was dying from cancer, I flew and was afraid that the seat belt wouldn't fit around me.

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

Feeling tired all of the time, getting out of breath easily when climbing stairs, not being able to run, constant joint pain.

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

Not getting out of breath as quick. I can now button a coat I wasn't able to before. My clothes are fitting more loosely.

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

I had heard about the RNY for several years, but heard about a lot of complications. But now I had found my fantastic surgeon (who I thoroughly checked out via AMA & internet) and went to see him. I had full confidence in him!

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

Because my surgery was a revision from the old VBG to a RNY, it had to be open. The surgery lasted 6 hours and the next day ended up needing 2 units of blood. I had surgery on a Wed. and went home the following Mon. The most important thing to take with you is a positive attitude!

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

I just needed 2 units of blood due to the blood loss. I didn't recuperate quite as fast because of it and because of all the scar tissue he had to remove from the old one.

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

Very excited! Scared? NO!

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

I have a friend that I work with that had a VBG in July, so she's a huge support. Also, we had our first support group meeting last week in Plano. This will be once a month.

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

My scar is from my umbilicus to right below my breasts. Yes it is how I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only had it on 11/19/2003, so it's too soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Because of my surgery being new, everyone is very protective of me so I don't over due it.
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