jenn2002

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Obesity & Me

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

Fat and miserable. I tried every diet that was available on the market and failed each time. i dieted myself right up to 408 lbs!

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

I was embarrassed and did not want to leave my home. I could not walk more than a few yards without breaking sweat. I was scared of falling and i was afraid that people were looking at me and thinking that I was disgusting.

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 do not have to worry about taking medications anymore! I can walk for miles without being sweaty and out of breath. I went on a hike with my family, I had to slide down two rocky steeps and had no problem doing so, then in order to get back on the train to our car, we had to cross a suspension bridge. I NEVER would have gone across the bridge at 400 lbs. I also oversize clothes! I assume that I am the largest person in the world so when I try on clothes, I naturally grab a size 34. I can not wear a 34, 32, 30, or 28! I'm ranging around a 24-26! I can wear a normal bra with an underwire! My feet have melted--I wear an 8 medium and not a 9 WW! The best gift is that I can run around and plan with my 2 year old! 10/23/02--I can do Pilates! I can take the stairs!

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

I learned of Gastric Bypass surgery while watching VH1's Behind the Music profiling Blues Traveler. The lead singer, John Popper, talked about his weight issues and how he decided to have WLS. I immediately went online and researched WLS--i found Obesityhelp.com and the rest is history!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did not want to die and be buried in a grand piano sized coffin. I did not want to leave my husband a widower and my daughter without a mommy. She had already lost one set of parents and I did not want her to lose another.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurer only covers RNY.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

n/a

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I told my family 2 weeks prior to my surgery that I was having surgery. They were very excited but mad that I didn't tell them sooner. My best friends were very supportive! I did not tell my employer or employees about my surgery until recently, about 5 months post-op! My friends are very sensitive to food issues--they don't want to eat around me because they feel like I will get upset--not true! I'm not having food issues, I can eat in a restaurant!

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

I was in the hsopital for a total of 4 days. I was very comfortable and was treated well, I really didn't want to leave! The most important items for me were the basics, my blankie, my slippers, a comb, toothbrush, lotion, lip balm etc...I didn't touch my robe, didn't need the 'spoon' and didn't care about make up.

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

I did not suffer any complications during surgery, I did, however, have difficulty breathing in recovery. I was convinced that I couldn't breathe. I also have three slightly infected incisions--no big deal.

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 great and did not suffer any anxiety.

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

My surgeon has an excellent after-care program. There are a variety of support groups for post-ops. I attend the post-op RNY group regularly and occasionally attend the pre- and post-op support group.

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

i had six incisions, one being long and through my belly button. The belly button scan is from the gallbladder operation, this incision is gone, you can't see it! The other 5 incisions are very small, two are visible, the others are so small they look like bug bites!
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