Lanay M.

Obesity & Me

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

I have been battling my weight problem/food addiction since I was a child. My earliest memories of binging were at age 6. I was always overweight as a child and when I graduated High School I weighed 325. I then decided to starve myself &/or be bolimic and I lost 125 lbs in about 10 months, so I was 200 at my lowest adult weight thus far. I then gained 200 lbs back. I was 26 and weighed 400.5 lbs. I was miserable. At 27, I joined TOPS (take off pounds sensibly), I succesfully lost 181 lbs, and it took 4 years. (I had been on paxil and prozac to help curb the binging as well) Then I got married to an alcoholic and the stress and weight came right back. I struggled for some time yo yoing, then when I was 365 lbs decided to investigate weight loss surgery. I have a good friend who is an internist, so he played a large part in my decision to have the rny done. I new how to diet and that I could, I liked to excercise when I felt good, so we, along with my primary doctor persued to get the surgery approved.

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

Feeling like a social outcast. Worrying about fitting into booths, chairs, seats at the theatre, an airplane etc... Feeling like I was everyone's focus,and that all laughs and snickers were about me (even though I am sure they all were not!) My self esteem was shot. And that was just the emotional part of it. Physically I felt like a 80 year old woman in a 32 year old body. My back hurt, my knees hurt, I could barely bend over. 400 lbs, how did I let myself EVER ger that big?? Self-defeat. Self-loathing. THAT was the worse thing

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

Sitting in any booths or chairs, and not being afraid they won't fit!! I also enjoy excercising!!

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

I heard about it years ago. But then again recently when Roseanne and Carnie Wilson had their surgeries. I at first thought that it was the easy way out, and I would have no choice but to do it naturally. But the more I researched it, the more I knew, that if you followed the program, excercised and used your new "tool" it was not the "easy way out" but a definite asset in my fight against obesity and dying young. I am 5 months post op and have lost over 105 lbs (as of 9/23/03 I am 259 lbs). I eat well, and excercise daily! Not easy, but I do not regret having the surgery at all!!

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

He was great. Very thorough. I would just suggest that you research the surgery and all of the risks and pros and cons etc... and be very serious about your decision. The more knowledge you have about the surgery the more the surgeon will be able to answer your questions and you will be able to understand the "lingo" he uses

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was at the end of my rope. I took all of the benifits and risks into consideration, I prayed about it and decided to go for it. I would probably have eaten myself to death if I did not have it!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, my insurance company only approves the RNY, but that is the one I wanted because I have (had) over 200 lbs to lose and it was the most successful surgery for long term weight loss.

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 was afraid that I would get blood clots after the surgery. I just made sure I walked as soon as they would let me get out of bed!! I was always active. That is what I would tell others as well, walk as soon as you are able.

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?

I had nothing but support!! Most of my longtime friends and ofcourse my family had seen the emotional and physical rollercoasters I had been on all my life with losing and gaining, and losing and gaining, and gaining! They were nervous for me, but also knew that I had done my research, and were confident I knew what I was doing. They are very supportive now as well. They always are sure to compliment me when I look good, or if I look smaller than the last time they saw me etc...

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

I have worked for my employer for almost 8 years now, so we have a great relationship. She was nervous for me, but also she was happy that I made the decision, because she knew how miserable I had once again become. Since I am over 1/2 way to goal, she now tells me that she can see my confidence returning and is very proud of me. I was only out of work for 3 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 PAINFUL!!! But the staff and doctors were so great. I had tons of visitors and my room was full of flowers, cards and get well gifts (that helped!!!) I was there for 4 days. What to bring???.......good slippers to take your walks in. A robe. Plenty of prayers. Loose clothes to leave the hospital in. I gained 12 lbs of fluid alone while I was in there!!!! But it came off in a matter of days!

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 excited, and could not wait to start the new chapter in my life. The anxiety was minimized by talking with my close friends and family.

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

Very Painful. It was difficult to get all of the protein and water in each day. That was really the hardest part. I never want to see broth or sugar free jello again!!!!!!!!!!

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

40 minutes, not a problem

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.

I was on clear liquids for 3 weeks, then pureed for the next 3 weeks. Then I started introducing soft foods into my diet. I tried chicken breast 3 months after and it would not stay down, meat was bad news. At 4 months I tried it again, and I was fine. I stay away from sugar and carbs. I eat alot of low fat cheese,eggs, and I always have a 30 gram protein shake for breakfast every morning and I also eat keto (high protein/low carb) foods for my lunches and dinners.

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

Very slow. I walked around the house for the first 3 weeks. At 6 weeks I went back to my health club (CURVES) and worked out 3 times per week, now I work out 4-5 tiems per week, and also walk when I can.

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

I take 2 chewable muti-vitamins daily, I take a powder calcium suppliment daily, and 1 b-12 chewable tablet once per week. I make sure that I get at least 40-64 ounces of water daily and at least 60 grams of protein per day as well.

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?

I was only had nausia if I ate too fast or something to big, or before my system was ready for it. I do not have any problems now. I have had some sugar, but in small doses, and have not experienced dumping, I do not want to push it either!! I am currently 5 months post-op and my hair is shedding just a bit more than usual. It is not noticible. I took pre-natal vitamins for 6 months before the surgery to try to get healthier, so I think that may have helped. ??

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

The night before...taking the laxitive to clean you out!!!!!! It was disgusting!! Also, a close second would have been when the doctor "yanked" out my drainage tube!!! That hurt like #$@$@#.

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

I still go to TOPS every week. Surgically augmented members are accepted in Category #2 now. That helps weighing in weekly. I like to see the progress and get a pat on the back. I have only gone to my hospitals support group once. It is not convenient for me. I have become friends with a gal that had the surgery one week before me, and we support each other with a daily phone call. :)

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

I had the Lap RNY. I just have 6 little puncture points. Yes, I expected this. I am so glad I did not have the open procedure, that looked much more painful!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not plateaued yet, but i am expecting it anytime, since I have lost so much already. I know it is a part of the process, so I will try not to get discouraged when it does happen.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Only Men! I have gotten hit on, this has not happened in a few years. I think even women are nicer, but it is also because when we feel better about ourselves we send out signals that other people pick up on, so it is probably a combination of what we are projecting to others and what they are percieving of us.
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