Linda W.

Obesity & Me

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

I have used food as a comfort for most of my life. Due to a terrible marriage and a somewhat difficult childhood, along with depression that has been a constant problem since childhood, I had become almost immobile due to my weight. Just getting out of my recliner took almost every bit of emotional and physical strength that I had.

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

The worst part of being overweight is feeling like I am trapped inside a body that won't allow me to spend my days doing the things I enjoy without having constant pain in my body (especially my 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 especially enjoy being able to do my basic household chores, like washing dishes, vacuuming and the like without feeling like I'm going to drop dead from exhaustion.

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

I had heard of it over the years but didn't think I would be given the opportunity to have it. I feel very blessed that I was approved and was able to have the DS. I believe it saved my life.

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

I stayed in the hospital for five days. It was o.k. as far as the medical care. However, my room was extremely hot and I was very uncomfortable for the entire time I was there.

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

I had no complications.

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 afraid that something would cause my surgeon to cancel the surgery. I was feeling very ill for the three weeks prior to my surgery. I had nausea, diarhea, and pain in my stomach that I believe had to do with my needing my appendix removed, which wasn't part of the original plan.

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

My scar is flat, pink and about 1-1/2" wide, 14" long. It's pretty much what I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I might be experiencing a plateau right now, at 10 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sometimes I see people I haven't seen in a while and they tell me they weren't sure it was me, that my face has changed.
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