Dianna R.

Obesity & Me

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

I have been heavy all of my life. I have been on Weight Watchers many times and even tried Opitfast. Only to gain the weight back as soon as I stopped the diet. Being overweight is a lonely life and I know I have been passed over for a promotion because of my weight

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

The worst thing about being over weight is the social stigma attached to it. People think you are dumb or lazy. The loneliness is almost unbearable. Lately I have been experiencing increasing pain in my joints, back and feet.

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 really haven't been out too long to have noticable changes

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

I discuss the procedure with my gyn. and he was very helpful and excited that I was considering the surgery. He gave my name to one of his partners who actually called me to tell me of patients he had that were sucessful with the surgery

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

My hospital (knapp Medical Center in Weslaco) was very nice. The people were super nice and attentive. They were prepared for my size and I felt no judgment of my weight by the staff. I really liked the Bariatric bed that I had after the surgery

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

I had no complications - except I found out I am alergic to latex! I couldn't stand the oxygen masks or tubes - I itched terribly!! On the 3rd week I developed an infection at the bottom of my incision. Call the Dr. and he called in an antibiotic and saw me the next day. He said it might develop into an abcess but thankfully that did not happen.

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 extremely excited about the upcoming surgery. I felt I had a lot to do before the date. A week before the surgery, another WLS patient in my town died from complications. I was a little freaked about that. You aren't suppose to know anyone who died (1%). I never even thought about cancelling though - this was my chance for a normal life.

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

My surgeon has a support group that meets at the hospital on the first Wed. of every month. I really look forward to going to the meetings

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

My scar is about 7 inches long. He used a plastic surgery stitch to close the incision. The scaring is very red right now but I know it will fade with time. This is actually better than I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far so good

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet
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