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Obesity & Me

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

Food has always been my "comforter" during times of happiness and sadness. Food never yells back, never criticizes or judges, doesn't look at you funny or make you feel less than human when times are rough. Food always seems appreciative during happy times and always loves for you to have more, and more, and more....Unfortunately, these have been my feelings all my life before learning about bariatric surgery.

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

Now that I have [3] children and a husband, not being able to play with my kids and keep up with them and not desiring to be seen in public with my husband because of my obesity hurts my heart. How I long to be able to walk to the park with my children or get in the swimming pool with them or even take a stroll with my husband without me being embarrassed for him because of how I look is my strongest desire.

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

Not Applicable yet as I am EAGERLY AWAITING AN APPROVED SURGERY DATE!

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

I initially saw a "Surgi-Lite" commercial on television. Because of my love for the computer, I got on the internet and started researching bariatric surgery. My initial impression was of "awe." I thought, "How could it be that simple to have this procedure and have your wishes to be healthier/thinner come true in a matter of months?"

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

I am EAGERLY ANTICIPATING AND APPROVED SURGERY DATE. Let's just wait and see....

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

My first consultation was absolutely wonderful! I was so nervous because I didn't know what to expect. My surgeon made me feel really at ease and took extra time to answer any question/concerns I had. I went to him with all my research [printed out] to prove my seriousness about having bariatric surgery and he was really impressed. I had my medical records from previous doctors dating back 4 years to give to him to include in my file. I came with a list of questions for him to answer and he was impressed with that also. So impressed that he said I didn't need a Psyche exam due to my knowledge of the various procedures. When you have your first visit, go prepared. Do as much research as you can before hand and take it with you. Go with a list of questions written down and take lots of notes as the doctor speaks. This lets them know you're definitely paying attention.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery after verifying with my insurance company that they would cover the procedure and after visiting sites like obesityhelp.com. So much information was provided here that basically all my questions were answered. Knowing there is a site like obesityhelp.com with support from many others like myself was a very encouraging factor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After my first consultation with the surgeon, I found that I am more of a "sweet" eater (opposed to "volume" eater). I need a procedure that is not "beatable". Meaning, a procedure I wouldn't be able to cheat by sneaking sweets. We finally came to agree that LAP RNY would be the best 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?

With any and all surgery you have to wonder about these complications. I have survived delivering my 3 children by cesarean-section and had the same fears of complications or even dying. My faith lies in God's hands. For He sustains me during times of confusion, despair, loneliness and fear and comforts me by letting me know that I am safe with Him. I would suggest leaning towards your own faith for strength.

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?

Initially, I decided not to mention my decision about having WLS to my family and friends for fear of their reactions. Well, I told 2 of my closest friends about my decision and was disappointed with their responses. Therefore, until I'm APPROVED, I will not be discussing this decision with anyone else except my husband. I choose not to be affected by others' opinions about WLS because I know they only speak of "what they've heard" and not of what they actually know.

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

I have not yet discussed this with my employer. When that time arrives, I will not reveal the specifics of my decision to have WLS, only that I'm having surgery and these are the dates I will be off work.

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

With the Bariatric Program I am going through, they require at least 1 year [minimum] follow up after surgery. I feel this is extremely important in knowing how to maintain post op.

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

No scar yet as I am EAGERLY AWAITING AN APPROVED SURGERY DATE! Scarring is a concern of mine which I opted to have my procedure LAP as opposed to OPEN.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau experiences yet as I am EAGERLY AWAITING AN APPROVED SURGERY DATE!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not being treated any differently as I am EAGERLY AWAITING AN APPROVED SURGERY DATE!
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