SandyHughes

Obesity & Me

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

I didn't like myself very much. I was always in a lot of pain with my back. I tried dieting on my own and never got anywhere. Doctors would say I would feel better if I wasn't morbidly obese. Boy, I hate those two words.

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

Not being able to move freely. People making fun of me when I went out.

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. I can now walk without breathing like a fire breathing dragon. I can run and play with my grandkids.

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

I had met a doctor that was treating me for herniated disks in my back. He was so concerned for me. The pain was uncontrolable. He mention it to me and sent me to see the Upstate Bariatric Center. I was a little nervous about doing it. A lot had been written on how people were dying from it. But that wasn't the case at all. I really looked into it before I took the first step.

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

I didn't have any trouble getting approval. I had a lot of medical problems. So It went fast.

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

I had wonderful care at Upstate University. I stayed in overnight and went home the next morning. I brought in a tent dress that was very loose. I was glad I did. That was all I brought. They supplied everything else.

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

I healed real fast. The only problem I had was consuming the protein drinks. I never was able to drink them.

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. I could wait to go and have my surgery done. I was thrilled the night before. I couldn't even sleep.

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

I was very sore. I was able to get up and move. I wasn't laid up. I just couldn't lift anything. I did go to the bathroom and I got my own things to drink or eat.

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

I attended the bariatric weight loss support groups for way over the year. I also belonged to another group. It was the TOPS weight loss program. They are my sole group now. I would tell everyone that support groups are the most important thing for weight loss.

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

I don't have a scar. My doctor did it so it would show.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has been 3 years since my surgery. I almost got down to my goal of 150 pounds. Then this winter I stopped exercising and I had a heart attack. So with this set back I am back up to 168. I just joined the YMCA. I'm losing again. I really am trying to reach this goal. The last 20 pounds has been the hardest for me to lose. You need to change your routine.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I finally get treated like a person should be. People include me in on doing things. People tell me how much I have changed and I don't see it. But they say I am more out going.
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