Joe S.

Obesity & Me

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

I had been fighting weight gain for years. I have tried many diets and diet pills. None sustained any great weight loss or appetite suppresant. All failed.

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

Lack of energy. Not being able to sit at booths in restaurants or in chairs that had arms. Could not fit in tight places and it was pretty obvious that people would look at you differently when fat.

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

Everything. I can sit in any seat I choose to now. I can walk behind people without bumping them. I can fit in any size car, roller coaster and movie theatre seat. I no longer look for tables in a restaurant instead of booths. I have 100 times more energy. I don't fall asleep like before. I can bend over, I can squat. I can see things I haven't seen in years without standing in front of a mirror. Sex is better, better, better and more enjoyable.

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

I had heard about it on the news. I knew some people thta had it done years ago whennit was stomach stapeling.....I researched it fdor about 2 years before going through with it. I had 3 friends that preceeded me by 1-2 years and I followed their progress.

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

My stay was very good. I commend Dr's Hospital in Manteca. They were great. I was there 3 days. Slippers, pj's and a good attitude.

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

Not really complications from the surgery. I developed an infection from the antibiotics that were used for the surgery. I ended up with bad diareah and ended up back in the hospital 3 weeks later for 3 days on IV for nutrients and antibiotics. I have been fine ever since. I handled them well as my surgeon was right on top of it.

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

Very well. I was just anxious to have it done.

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

Lot of rest, lot of water, lots of walking for exercise. Each day I would walk a little further. People should expect to take it easy and exercise as much as possible (walking) and drink plenty of water. Don't be in abig hurry to go shopping or overdue any activity. Eat correctly according to you diet.

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

About 15 miles. It was very convenient.

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.

Well the first few weeks were the most gruesom, as you are learning all over again how to eat, and on a very restricted diet. You learn to intake new foods on an experimental basis. Fried foods were off limits in the beginning. As time went on, yuou become more familar with what you can eat and how to eat it. It all gets better with time and I am now at a stage (20 mos) where I can eat anything I choose, just small amounts. I stay away from sugar for the most part.

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

It got better every day. I started out walking about half a block. After a few days I increased it slightly, then a little more and so on until I was several blocks within a few weeks. Eventually I turned it into 1/2 mile, to 1 mile to 2 1/2 miles after a few months. I continue to walk about 2-3 miles per day.

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

Multi vitamin twice daily, calcium twice daily, iron once a day and B12 once a week.

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?

No vomiting ever. Dumping only once( if you don't learn from the first time you must be an idiot) from eating a piece of candy about 6 weeks post. Almost no nausia except for the first few weeks. It was mostly related to food smells and food likes and dislikes. Just ate something else and did not concern myself with the things that bothered me.

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

Can't really say there was any.

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

I go to at least 2 or 3 support groups per month. I also attend 2 seminars per month where I am involved with speaking and answering questions from perspective patients. They are very helpful. It is very important. Everyone should attend at least 1 support group meeting per month for a long time.

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

Just some little hole marks

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had some slower weight loss periods after 6 months, but I expected it. After a year I was happy and felt I had just about met my goals. Over the next few months I surpassed my goals in pounds and inches. I am very pleased. I am leveld off now and I don't expect to loose any more, nor do I plan on loosing any more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Most people I know are amazed at the transformation. Others that didn't know me well before treat me better. I am sure it is the loosing of the fat person stigma.
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