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Obesity & Me

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

I was depressed about being overweight. I couldn't get my blood sugars undercontrol no matter what I did or tried. I was just plain miserable.

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

Having to take insulin and couldn't find any clothes that fit or looked right.

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

Being able to play with my kids and spending time with my family outside. :)

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

I heard about through the internet and wished that I could get it done.

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

The first insurance that we had wouldn't approve it. Then the second insurance wouldn't approve it until I did a six month weight loss program with either a doctor or some institute. Afterwards I was approved within a week. Don't give up and keep trying even if you have to keep appealing it to get approved.

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

It was wonderful and I loved him. He was very friendly and helpful. Ask every question and don't be afraid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being approved for the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The gastric bypass seemed the best for my health for me.

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 didn't have any fears at all. i just put my faith in God and let Him take care of me.

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?

My family and friends were very supportive and wished me the best in doing it. Everyone has been there for me even after the surgery and very excited for me.

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

My boss was wonderful through it all and supported me even to now. I was out of work about two weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful. I was in there for three days. You don't need to take anything with you except some warm socks, slippers, & toiletry items.

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

No.

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 a little anxious but very excited because it was finally going to happen.

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

A lot of help because you can't do anything at all. Don't be disappointed if you sleep a lot after getting home because your body is still adjusting itself.

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

I had an hour's drive which was 50 miles one way.

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.

Right after surgery I was on clear liquids then to soft foods which was great. But I wasn't hungry at all and I'm still not very hungry. I have to remember to eat so I don't get low blood sugars. Ground meat is an off limit food for me and I still can't eat it.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I felt like I was getting more energy to do things but couldn't till I had an okay from the doctor. Now I can do anything that I want to.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a chewable multi-vitamin, chewable calcium, and an iron pill. Plus I take a sublingual B-12 every other day and a hair vitamin.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

The hair loss is my problem and still is. I worry that I'm gonna go bald but everyone tells me that it is part of the process and will eventual quit.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The pain after the surgery and the taking out of the drain tube.

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

We have once a month support group meetings in Lake Charles. They are very helpful because you get to talk to other people who have been where you are and they give helpful ideas if you need any.

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

My scars are four real tiny ones that will disappear over time. Yes, it was exactly what I was expecting.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.
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