Ganice Y.

  • BMI 45.2

Obesity & Me

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

Depressed, didn't like to go out. Lost and gained and lost and gained. Hated myself for gaining all and then some back over and over again.

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

Being tired all the time. Not having clothes to wear, that didn't look like a tent! Legs and feet hurting. fitting into the airplane seat, behind the wheel of the car, Tiger Stadium seating.

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

Tons and tons of little things...crossing legs, room between steering wheel and belly, more room on the couch for me and..anyone else.., But very importantly, my flexability. Ability to go further, in both distance, walking, running, and even doing any little thing. I have more endurance for any physical activity I choose to try.

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

The best. BTC Ypsilanti. Diffacult getting up right after. But knew and was determined to do well so pushed. Was there for 4 days. Bring slip on slippers, CD player and favorite music, Personal monthly protection of your choice for females, your gonna start your period.

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

No non at all. I know I was lucky but tried to be really postive and very careful for infection and all. Exercised (walked) drank tons of water and followed all the rules as exact as I could.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Very anxious! Ate a ton of "Last suppers!" Got my house in order in case the worst happened. And got my fridge cleaned out of the stuff that I thought might be the biggest temptation and put the suggested post op stuff in there.

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

BTC has the best as far as I am concerned. But I also belonged to [email protected] Now I am a moderator on that group and love it. We are about 150 strong! We have meetings and group get togethers. It is mega important. We exchange information every day. Lend support to new folks and share post op hits, tips and helpful, informative stroies and experiences. I could never have done as well without them. 1 year after surgery I am still learning new and exciting things about and for myself post op. Everyone needs to have support. I think the forum of internet and physical meeting is a must.

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

Mine is very small. thin, however it is hidden by my excess skin quite a bit. I've lost 130 pounds to date and it is a thin dark line. I didn't use anything special, except antibacterial soap eveyday when I showered after surgery. I still use gliserine neturgenia soap eveyday. It is really less than I expected. My siser in law had a worse one. I thought that was what mine was going to look like. She had 2 drains and a bad infection.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh boy, sure have, for 2 months almost!. Cut back on protein and carbs and changed up exercise....that did it! Back on the losing track. I was always still losing in inches. I am almost to goal now. And I am 1 year and 1 month out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Seems like men open doors more often. Women listen to my conversations and I am in general more excepted......Hummm intresting hey?
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