TatooAnnie

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Obesity & Me

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

I have been struggling all my life with my weight. Growing up I was told to eat everything on my plate....you know kids in Africa would love to have this food I would hear. or your mother stood over that stove and cooked for you, you eat what's on your plate. So I did, whether I was full or not. I can't blame that for when I was older and on my own, but it got me in the habit of eating even when I was full, and then some. I would yo yo diet, which is bad, but still never with n e great results. I went about the gastric bypass a few years back and from what I learned in the nutrition classes there, I lost almost 100lbs, but I am stuck and now can't get off n e more. I wasn't able to complete the last class at that time due to traveling back and forth for 12 wks every week. Thankfully things have changed this time and it was easier to get to the classes.

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

For me, it's now that I am getting older, it is stopping me from doing things I used to be able to do. I shouldn't have to ask my kids already to help me with stuff. I can't run around and play with my grandchildren like I want to. I see ppl older than me, who get around better than me and it makes me so disgusted with myself. My aunt is 72 yrs. old and she can walk circles around me. It just amazes me.

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 haven't had it yet. I am waiting on my insurance clearance.

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

My ex's girl friend at the time had gotten it. They lived in South Carolina and I didn't really get to see how her journey went, I just knew she did well for awhile. Unfortunately after surgery, about a year, she had a seizure and passed away. Some ppl blamed it on the surgery (this was about 8-10 yrs ago) but no one could prove that. Then I started seeing ppl around here getting it. A few of them had passed, but they weren't living right...they were drinking and abusing their bodies. I know that is what can happen sometimes to ppl. They get skinny and then go wild, but thankfully I am smart enough not to abuse myself like that. That is what caused them the problems, not the surgery. My children and family were frightened when I first mentioned wanting to get this because of all they heard, but I have explained to them as long as I eat healthy, keep up with my fluids and proteins and don't abuse my body, there is nothing to worry about. My initial impressions of it.....a lil scary...its a big step for n e one to take, but it's a wonderful chance in life to have such a tool to help in weight loss. If you can't lose the weight with this type of tool, I don't think you'd be able to lose weight ever.

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

I am still waiting on that. I have all my clearances I need, so hopefully it won't be so hard for me. Fingers are crossed.

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

Dr. Wynn made me feel very comfortable. She didn't make me feel ashamed of myself for getting this big, she made me feel like I had hope. She didn't sugar coat things either, which I was glad, but she gave me hope and explained things. Dr. Wynn made sure I understood what she was saying before she went on to the next thing she had to explain. She listened to what I had to say and answered all my questions thouroughly and to the questions my boyfriend Roe had. I am very pleased with her, Dr. Wynn is a very good surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My grandchildren. I have around 17.....I have 7 blood grandchildren (8 in Jan) and 10 more grandchildren of my heart. I want to be around to see them grow up to adults have children of their own. I want to watch my 3 children grow into the older seasons of their lives and share the precious moments of their lives. I also am tired of hurting.....my body hurts so bad, i'm tired of taking pain meds, I'm tired of taking sugar meds, I am tired of taking all my meds period! I want to be able to do the things my weight has stopped me from doing. I have told my bf Roe that next summer he better be ready....I wanna go zip lining in West Virginia and parasailing in Outer Banks. I might not be at my goal weight by then, but I will have lost enough weight to do that. I can't wait to start enjoying my new exciting life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Wynn explained to me, with my diabetes and my love of sweets that the gastric bypass would be better for me. I initially wanted the lap band, but the lap band would allow me to eat sweets. That would of been a wasted surgery for me. I can't have that. I need a tool that is going to keep me from the habits I have in my life. I have started to limit myself, it's been hard. September - November is filled with birthdays. Almost every weekend is a party, so there has been birthday cake. I have had some, I can't lie....but I cut back on the size, and at one point I couldn't even finish a few pieces, which is good for me. I also do not have n e sweets in my house and I don't by n e. I don't crave them n e more, which is good, being diabetic, I crave them constantly, usually. Even when I'm not suppose to have them. It's a very hard struggle for me.

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 can answer this about my fears now, I have not had surgery yet....like I've said before, I am waiting on my insurance approval. I do have a slight fear of dying from surgery, but that is a fear I have had with every surgery I have had. Any surgery is scary and this one is no different. I am just thankful that I have my faith, and my faith is strong. It sees me thru my worst fears and it will see me thru this also.

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?

My kids and family were hesitant at first. They heard about ppl dying after surgery back in the day, or having other health problems. I told them well, the other option is me dying from all this weight on me too. They said well you can lose it on your own if you try real hard. I had to say I have tried real hard and I get discouraged when I can't. I said I will be ok, things are different now. They all are very supportive now. My boyfriend's ex had this done and she left him afterwards, so he was very upset at first. I had to reassure him I am not her and he has nothing to worry about, it took awhile, because he was hurt deeply over that. Now he is very supportive and is ready to help me n e way he can.

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

I am on Soc. Security Disability. My weight has cause me problems where I can't work. I am hoping I will be able to go back to work after I lose weight. I am so tired of being home and bored.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes I was glad I attended. Dr. Peters did the seminar. He did a great job. He provided a lot of information.

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

Haven't had my surgery yet, but I am told I will be there 2 days. Hopefully that's is what will happen,
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