Donna V.

Obesity & Me

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

I'd struggled with weight issues for my entire adult life. Since the age of 17, I have been on over 20 legitimate diets. I have been a yo-yo dieter and eventually dieted myself to 224lbs. At one point, I even became bulimic. After my hysterectomy, I put on 80+ lbs. I was resolved that I would never succeed at weight loss.

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

My health had declined as such that I had to take disability retirement from teaching. I had sleepn apnea, asthma, GERD,high cholesterol, fluctuations in blood sugaer, shortness of breath, feet and knee problems. The final blow was that I suffered a mild heart attack at the age of 43. Since my father died at 45 of a massive heart attack, this was a wake up call that I was not going to get better and was headed for a similar fate. I never felt that self concience about my weight because my personality made up for my being larger.

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 have energy to go shopping. I feel more like being creative. I am feeling better to be able to go to church.

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

I had a younger friend that weighed much more than I did and she decided to have the surgery. She was very successful and told me she would do it all over again. I thought that my history of dieting, weight gain, and health problems would make me a good candidate for the surgery.

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

My hospital stay was good. The only thing that really bothered my was the tube in my nose. I have allergies and sinus problems, so it made me nauseated because of sinus drainage. I had to stay 4 days, which was longer, because my potassium was low. They had to give me a refill of potassium before I could leave. My doctor also wanted a lung scan to be sure of no blood clots. I really didn't need to bring anything except my personal tolietries.

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

I had diarrea in the hospital because the jello they gave me had sugar in it. I knew it tasted to good to be diet jello.

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 approved in about 3 weeks. Even though my BMI was at 37, my health problems help me to get approved. I was not really anxious or nervous because I have had surgery before. I was excited about finally solving my weight problem.

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

My family is my support group. Obesityhelp.com has also been very helpful. Before my surgery, I had about 20 e-mails from members that told me they were praying for me. This is a wonderful resource and support group that you don't have to leave home to go to.

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

My scars are small but are still red. I am treating them with mederma. They are nothing compared to my gallbladder scar that is about 6 inches long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far. I lose a pound every other day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've have a lot of compliments from everyone. Some people can't believe it because they may only see me every 3 weeks. They tell me that I am melting away.
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