KathieInHawaii

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Obesity & Me

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

I have tried every diet known to man! I began gaining a massive amount of weight due to the insertion of a Norplant. In less then two years I gained 80 pounds. My weight steadily went up along with my weight associated co-morbidities. I am currently on more medication than my GRANDMOTHER due to my weight. I want my life back again!!!

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

Buying clothes!!! I adore clothes and even though I am a size 24, I really pay attention to my wardrobe. For some reason, however, designers tend to leave the really cute styles for the little petite ladies!!! I look forward to being able to buy shoes that aren't wide width! I look forward to being able to buy a choker that I don't have to buy an extender for! The other drawbacks are obvious. I HATE it when a physician tells me that my morbid obesity (and GOD I HATE THAT TERM!) is because I lack will power!!! Another draw back is the physical energy (or lack thereof!).

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 recently started going to the gym and exercising regulary which I didn't do before. I am taking water aerobics and walking on the treadmill...and even doing weight training!!!

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

My PCP was on vacation and another physician was covering for her. He recommended that I take a look at bariatric surgical options as he had other patients who had benefitted from it. He made the referral and when it came time for the surgical consult, I blew it off. Mainly because my family and friends said that I was being ridiculous and that I didn't need surgery. I just needed a "good diet" (Is there such a thing!?!?!?!??!) Well, within seven months of me blowing off the surgical consult, my co-morbidities started to increase and worsen. My PCP's mother had gone through the surgery and she was explaining the Pros and Cons to me. Together we both came to the conclusion that I should go for another consult. And that is what is happening. It has been a long process but I am looking forward to moving forward and living a long and happy life after my surgery.

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

I went for my first surgical consult on October 22, 2001. Because I have TriCare Prime (through Tripler Army Medical Center), I had to wait for the TriCare referral to go through. I received the referral in December 2001 for an appointment on March 25, 2002. I am hoping that the surgery date won't be too far down the road! We shall see.

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

My consult with Dr. Balfour went well (on March 25, 2002). HOWEVER, because his practice is so busy and I have several issues and concerns about after care, I decided to switch to the Tripler surgeon, Dr. Stanely Zagorski. I have my second consult with him on May 7, 2002! I hope that with my comorbidities and the amount of time I have been waiting, I won't have much longer to wait. I will keep you posted!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I realized that no matter what type of weight loss program I tried, I seemed to fail. I don't believe that the WLS will solve all of the problems but will definitely give me the "jump start" I need to get my weight under control.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am going to have an OPEN RNY. There wasn't much choice for me. The surgeon's that I have seen only perform this procedure, which is fine with me because after doing some baseline research, I feel that an open procedure allows for a more accurate measurement and also allows the surgeon to view the entire surgical area.

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 feel very comfortable with the decisions and do not have any great fears.

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?

At first, my husband (who has always been very supportive of me no matter what my weight) was against the idea because he felt that I was not "big" enough to have such a drastic surgical procedure done. It IS true when they say love is blind...because I am a whopping 297 pounds!! I haven't told him how much I weighed since my college days when I barely tipped the scales at 120 pounds!!! I have not informed many of my friends that I am looking into the option of bariatric surgery yet....I feel it is a personal decision between me and my family. However, if I am approved and I tell them what I am going to do, I have no doubt they will be extra supportive!!!

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

I have told my boss about the surgery. As usual, he is tremendously supportive of my decision. I am not sure how widely I will discuss the surgery but for now, I feel comfortable just knowing my immediate boss knows. Others will find out when the time is right.

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

My hospitalization was great. They had some problems getting my pain under control initially due to the fact that I was brought out of the O.R. on a ventilator (due to a lengthy operative procedure). I stayed in the hospital for five days...and went home feeling fine!

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

I had no complications other than some slight nerve damage on my right thigh they believe came from when they made the incision. They said this should resolve itself in a few months as the nerves start to regenerate. Also, I have a cracked rib from the retractor and a small vein thrombosis in my right wrist. All of these minor complications will self resolve and have caused me no significant pain or issues in general.

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

By the time I was 1.5 weeks post op, I felt very good. I had a hard time sleeping when I first got home from the hospital though. I am not able to sleep well on my back so until I was able to sleep on my side, I was generally not that comfortable. By the time I was two weeks post op, I felt wonderful. Each day was better than the day before.

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

The first few days are not exactly fun. Make sure you rest!!! Take naps. I couldn't get comfortable in my bed, so I slept on my sofa and in my recliner.

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

My surgery was performed six miles from my house so I didn't have to worry about extensive travel when I was released from the hospital.

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.

My surgeon believes strongly in trying as many protein rich, textured proteins as possible after surgery. While most people are on a liquid or pureed diet for several weeks, I was able to eat most foods right away. If I couldn't tolerate something, the goal was to try it again at a later time. So far I have not had any intolerances to food. I don't like eggs though!!! But I didn't like them before surgery either... so I don't think it is really the surgery as much as it is me!

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

I attend two different support groups. I feel they are VERY important. One group is given by my surgeon and the clinic where I had my surgery and is considered mandatory. The other group I go to is a patient run group. Both are wonderful sources of information and support. As each meet only once a month, I feel it suits my needs.

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

My scar looks wonderful!!! My surgeon does not use staples. He uses microsutures on the inside and Dermabond on the outside and closes with steri strips. The outcome... a nice, clean incision!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau at 2.5 weeks out!!! My scale didn't move for about a week. I was very disappointed because it was so close after surgery. After about a week, the scale started to move again. Another plateau hit about one month later. I have come to the conclusion that I either lose pounds...OR inches. Neither at the same time!! I know that as long as I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, I will be fine.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely!!! When I returned to work, people noticed my weight loss immediately. During the past week, I have received more compliments than I know what to do with!! I have lost 64 pounds in 2 months, so I guess it is noticeable!
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Before & After
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