Candice P.

Obesity & Me

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

I have fought my weight loss battle most of my life. It has been extremely hard the past few years. My children were the start of my journey. I knew when I felt s o bad that I didn't want to go to their ballgames that I had to do something for the sake of my children.

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

Not being able to walk or go outside and work with my flowers. We love to go camping and I just didn't want to get out of the camper while we were gone to enjoy the trip.

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 enjoy walking now more that anything. My feet don't hurt like they used to.

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

My step son in law had the surgery and we shared alot of conversations. He looks great and feels great. It had really changed his life.

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

My hospital stay was short. I went in on November 21, 2003 at 7:00 am and I was back home by 4:00pm the same day. I packed just in case I had to stay but I didn't have to. My hospital stay was wonderful.

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

No, I didn't have any problems with the surgery or after the surgery. I actually went to my daughters cheerleading compitition the next day and also my sons basketball game.

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 felt wonderful. The past couple of weeks have been hard. I want the weight off now but I know that it didn't get on me over night and it will take some time. The lap band actually takes more time than the gastric bypass.

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

I have not had time to go to a support group but I am hoping that in the near future I will be able to go. My husband and kids have been wonderful and also the rest of my family have been very supportive.

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

My scares are not that bad because I had the lap band surgery and it was done laperscopely. I have 5 small insusions and only 2 are even visible now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau last week and didn't loss a pound and that was very dissapointing. But I am on track again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really but I haven't been around alot of people yet.
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