Peg M.

Obesity & Me

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

Behaviorally it was always a cycle. Depending on my mood would determine what I ate. Emotionally it was awful. And it wasn't until very recently when I saw my before and after pictures that I realized how big I really was. Prior to surgery I knew I was overweight but kept thinking "I'm not THAT big" - wow...who was I kidding?

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

How can you pick just one? Self Esteem ranks way up there. Not being able to do things that thinner people could do was a close second.

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 was always very active, but I find now that it is so much easier to do all the things I did before. The one thing I do now that I would have NEVER done before, is aerobics! I'm hooked and I love it.

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

Saw a magazine article and thought "cool"! But wondered if this was right for me.

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

The first day or two were awful. I was in the hospital 5 days (went home on the 5th day). The most important thing for me was something to keep my mouth moist - they didn't let you eat or drink and I just remember being VERY thirsty.

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

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?

The weeks following surgery were tough. I was very sore, couldn't eat, couldn't move - and just kept saying that "this has GOT to be worth it".

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

There is a monthly support group in our town but I feel it isn't very helpful. The same people say the same things month after month.

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

Well...it is long and yes, I guess it what I expected. I hope in time it will fade a bit more.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to always be on a plateau. I'll stay at the same weight for am minimum of six weeks, then one day will be down 3-5 lbs. I've got about 20 more to lose, so I expect it will take longer so I don't get real discouraged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, mostly men. I get whistled at and they seem to bend over backwards to help me!
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