Janet L.

Obesity & Me

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

I was overweight most of my life balooning up to 350 lbs at one point, I had no energy, no desire to move around or do anything. I felt lost all the time. I had grandchildren I couldn't play with. I was sick too, alot and I hated it. I knew I had to do something. NO diets would work long term.

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

People treated you differently and you could feel them staring and making comments about you. I was unhealthy

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

buying clothes in a regular store and not having to order them from a special catalog. Playing with my grandchildren. running, excersising and having fun.

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

I had a co worker that had it. I was sceptical at first.

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

I was in for 4 days, everything went so fast, I was under heavy medication the first 2 days then slowly started moving around and finally sent home. It was very good the care was excellent.

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

NO I did not other than not being able to drink the protein, it took me a while to find one I could handle.

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

The first month was hard and I felt sick alot, not vomiting but feeling like I had to. ONce I went back to work things got much better.

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

I attend two support groups in this area, it helps alot to talk to others who have gone through it. we share stories, and help each other deal with problems.

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

Its bigger than I thought but its a scar, the reward is the weight loss, I can deal with that..

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far, I hope I keep losing and don't reach the plateau to soon. I expect it will happen around 6 months to a year.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, they are nice and seem to truly understand me now.
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