Marcellia W.

Obesity & Me

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

I quit smoking and gained 100lbs in 1 year. I would eat everything in sight, and constantly. I tried everything, including starving myself. Nothing worked, I got to the point where I didn't even care anymore and gave up.

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

Being so uncomfortable, and not being able to do things I used to take for granted.

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

Waking up to a lower weight everyday!!! LOL I enjoy everything about my life now. I look forward to waking up every single day.

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

I had breast cancer, and was scheduled to see a surgeon about having a mastectomy. The day of my appointment, the was an obesity clinic day scheduled at the hospital where I was seeing the surgeon. I started talking to people about it in the waiting room while waiting for my appointment.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I had no problems getting approved for my surgery. My request was approved with one telephone call. I did not have to submit any paperwork, or documention.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

He was very kind and caring. He answered all my questions in a straightforward manner. He explained the surgery, along with the risks and benefits of having it done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing the success of everyone I met at the hospital on future visits.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It is the only procedure Dr Gladen recommends. Plus in my research, I found that the other options had so many complications after surgery, along with post op problems.

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?

I had no fear. I have had several surgeries in my life, and never had any complications. I am a very strong person, and I heal extremely fast, so there was never a doubt in my mind about having the surgery.

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?

Every single one of them, except my father in law, were against me having the surgery, including my husband. They told me everything from "you can do it on your own.", to "It will ruin your health, and eventually kill you." I simply told them that this was my decision, and they had no say in what decision I make, because I was doing it for myself, and no one else. Now that I've had surgery, they are all very excited about the weight I've lost, and my husband, who was the worst critic about the surgery, is the most supportive in my post op endeavors!

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I quit my job to have this surgery!!! LOL

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

I was only in the hospital overnight, and actually I wanted to go home the day of surgery, by Dr. Gladen would not let me! LOL I would bring all the hygienes necessary to keep myself clean and feeling good. Plus a few of your favorite magazines (that you haven't read yet!) and a good interesting book.

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

No complications whatsoever.

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, even right after surgery. I had more energy than I had had in a long time. The incision area was a little uncomfortable, but it was not something that a couple of simple Tylenol couldn't take care if.

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

I had no problems, so I just took off from where I left off. I have a 3 year old daughter, and the only thing I had to be very careful with was her sitting in my lap. She tended to push on my stomach without realizing it. I showed her my "booboo" and she was very concerned about hurting me, we finally ended up getting a pillow to prop in front of me everytime she felt the need to climb up in my lap.

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

I did not have to travel at all. The hospital is only a couple miles from my home.

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.

I had to be on a liquid and puree diet for 30 days after surgery. After 30 days the doctor told me I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted as long as I maintained a healthy diet. I cannot eat scrambled eggs, but have no problem with fried or poached eggs. I had a hard time eating meat at first, but am getting used to it now. The only diet restriction I have is that I can never, ever eat red meat again, unless it is the ground type.

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

Moderate activity.

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

Flintstones Complete, some people hate them, I just love them, and will continue taking them. I just pop one in my mouth and suck on it til it's gone!

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?

I have only had one experience with dumping, it was not nice! I vomit every once in awhile, but it is usually due to something upseting my stomach, or taking one bite too many.

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

I really can't say there was a worst part.

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

wlsfriends and whyiamgratefulihadwls clubs on Yahoo.com My favorite is WLS Friends because they are full of spunk, humor, and seriousness when needed, they give me great advice, support, friendship, and daily laughs, which is healthy for everyone!

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

I expected a much bigger scar. Mine is only 2 1/2 inches long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice men looking at me now, when they never would have before.
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