Betsy P.

Obesity & Me

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

I tried all kinds of pills and fad diets. Every kind of magic remedy you can think of I tried it; none worked. I was going crazy and my clothes hardly fitted me and I didn't look good with anything I wore.

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

Trying to look good and pleasant to the eye. going to the restaurant and trying to fit into a booth that was horrible my buttons would pop off my clothes and it was uncomfortable to eat.

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

The thing I enjoy doing now more that before is having sex. It is more comfortable and exciting, because....I will leave the rest up to you

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

through a friend of my mother who was going to have surgery. my mom told me and i started to research it therally. I thought to my self if my insurance pays for it why not try it what have I got to lose, only the wieght! I'll try it.

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

My stay at the hospital was a good one. I didn't bring anything they supply you with everything. You just have to make the best of your stay I bonded alot with other patients who had the wieght loss surgery

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

yes i had complications because my stomach swelled after they inserted the band but it went away after 10 days. I couldn't even keep my suliva down.

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

after i got my surgery date i was thrilled and was looking forward to it. I did not have any anxiety at all or fear. I was really looking forward to a new me so I knew this was the beginning. I felt that if something was going to happen to me it would no matter what.

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

I attend a support group every tuesday and believe it is the greatest. You need it for support because after eating large amounts of food to practically eating nothing is really a drastic change and one needs the support to actually believe one had surgery. The nightmare or dream is true. Hello wake up and smell the coffee that what a support group does for me.

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

my scar is very small about 1 and a half inch long. actually it is better than what i expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice some difference with my husband and some with my coworkers but normally it is basically the same. other heavy people call me namess but all are considering getting the surgery
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