Ron S.

Obesity & Me

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

I had no problem losing weight but would gain it back plus ---- I was alway on a diet -- Mark Twain once said "its easy to quit smoking I have done it millions of times --that is how I felt -- It was easy to lose a few pound I had done it million of times. Each time I lost I would gain back more and more --- I needed help and I knew it --- it has only been two weeks but I love the feeling-- I now have the energy to exercise every day and food IS NO LONGER MY LIFE .Dec 19th (the day of my surgery) is now my new Birthday.

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

heath problems , no energy , Not being able to wear the clothes you wanted to , and not being able to do things with my kids including riding and training horses.

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

look foward to fitting into normal clothes and getting back on to a horse again

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

through the media and its a miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

no problems at all --medicare

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

My surgeon -Doctor Hodges is fantastic -- explain everything and answered any and all questions

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

meeting with Doctor Hodges -- i knew i was in great hands

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

I was there 2 days and the hospital was more than excellent

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

none

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 very very excited but also very up tight --- that all has changed and I know I made the right decision

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

I became very active --starting walking a mile the day after surgery -- I think exercise before and after the surgury is a major key to success

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

2 hours -- no problems

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.

just got off of liquid yesterday

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

extremely high compare to pre-surgery

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

b-12, multiple, and tums

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?

none so far

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

the waiting

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

once a month group --have not attended as of yet

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

very small

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no
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