Posting My ObesityHelp My Journey Answers

I wrote the statements below to help me remember how I felt leading up to gastric bypass surgery. It was not an easy task answering the questions posed on the ObesityHelp website. You have to look deeply into your being to answer some of the questions. Of course, you are putting yourself out there for others to read. Is it important to you to help others? I think it is in our nature. It also helps us to clarify where you were and how you were feeling prior to surgery and through it. Weight loss surgery reconstructs your stomach. You have to continue to do the work that was started by the operation. It is a lifelong task.

I went to the Obesity Help conference in Chicago a year after my surgery. I know I was thinking that I had to stay connected to people who had had surgery. In seeing people who have had surgery face to face and sharing we learn so much. The meet and greets around the country that I have attended have been filled with fun, adventure and learning. I appreciate that I found a support system in the weight loss community online on YouTube and Facebook as well as Sparkpeople, BariatricTV, Thinnertimes as well as some other websites that are escaping my memory right now. In Phoenix, at the Obesity Action Coalition Convention, one woman told me that she found inspiration from my Sparkpeople interaction with her years ago. I am going to another ObesityHelp Conference October 4-5 2013 in Anaheim CA.


Obesity & Me



Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I felt that my excess weight would always be a part of me. I struggled to keep a happy face when I heard comments from strangers and friends about my excess weight. I would promise myself each day to lose weight. Yet, sometimes at night the promise forgotten I would search for that roll of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies to eat one or two which would morph into eating every single one. I would try to stop myself by freezing the cookies. It did not help. When I found a new diet I relished in the weight loss only to rebound when the spark of newness wore off. I spent hours pouring over weight loss magazines or cook books just to lose interest in cooking. I would cook and freeze recipes. They would be there in my freezer waiting to eat. Yet, I chose the easy way out many times by going out to supper as it was late, I was tired from a long day, it was on the way home, no mess at the end of the meal at home...each and every excuse you could come up with spurred me on to eating out. I had to stop this yo yo dieting, I knew. I started tracking each food item that I ate. I bought a calorie count book that even had the common restaurant food items listed. I put everything down. I even tracked my water intake. What more did I have to do? I spoke with a nutritionist and made several appointments. She would ask me what I was doing? She would suggest options. I felt that it was good to see her, and be weighed in. It was more accountable than some other plans because this went on a permanent record.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
It was affecting my health and well being to be overweight. My blood pressure rose. At first, I had been proud of my low blood pressure. I thought it was good. I thought it was only high when I was sick.I was wrong. Yet, it cause me some health issues and left permanent problems with my legs.My legs are discolored where the blood pooled beneath the skin and could not rise back to my heart. I was prediabetic and feeling the bad affects. It was the constant forgetting of things that I should know that made me realize I had a sugar high that I needed to come down from to help me be connected to the world. I had sleep apnea that was on the bi-pap level of 17 intake and 11 out. I was lowered to 6 on the c-pap. I think the sleep apnea is part of our family genetics as I can tell you stories of great grandmother not sleeping well, mom would be up at all hours like me, and my sister who is on a c-pap.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
Fit places, and not worry about breaking a chair! I did that at a friend's home once.

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?
My sister had the surgery five years ago in November. My sister has done well. Next, my cousin had the surgery four years ago in January. I was wondering if I could lose weight and sustain the loss if I chose the surgery. I wanted it to work. I kept reading about the surgery in the newspapers all I saw were negative comments. I followed along with that consensus thinking that it may not be right for me. Yet, I still wanted to know where I could have it done. I wondered if I should ask my doctor, and what her reaction would be. It had not been suggested as an option. I went from weight in the 200s to weight in the 300s. I needed to lose more than two hundred pounds at my highest weight. Could I find a way out of the ever increasing weight gain? Would it help me? Would I be a good statistic or would I die from the procedure? I needed to do a lot of research.
Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?
I had been going to the doctor for weight problems for quite a few years. I had it documented that I had tried different methods. I had been exercising and not losing. I feel that the insurance approval following the consultation with my surgeon was quick. He had a form that we filled out that had us list our attempts and regains. When I went for the consultation, I met with a psychologist, dietitian, and nurse all on the same day. I found that very convenient. I had been losing weight and had my weight chart from the Primary Care Physician with me to add to my file. It showed the dips and the mountains... I think the documentation is the most important step for the insurance company. Try to get this information down on paper so that you will not forget it.
What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?
By the time, I saw the surgeon I had researched the operation I wanted on ObesityHelp.com I had seen many YouTube videos posted by people who had RNY surgery, I had even seen a video of an actual operation, and had read books on the subject. I felt I was well prepared. That is the important part that I want you to know. Just going in with your excess weight will not be enough. It helps to be prepared. It helps to know what the procedure will be and to have questions written down ahead of time. It helps to know what your co-morbidities are and ask how the surgery will change them. It is helpful to bring questions. It will be an emotional time when you make the decision to have RY surgery. Let the feeling wash over you and live in the knowledge that you will succeed. It will be possible to be a healthier weight. It will subtract from your real age...so that you are younger than your age. Yes, you will succeed. Blessings to you as you chose weight loss surgery.
What made you finally decide to have the surgery?
I had felt that I was doing well losing weight but did not want to rebound. I came to the decision after many years of excess weight. I went places but could not keep up with the other because my knees were hurting so much. I remember thinking if only I could stop and sit down. I went on a trip to England. We walked all over but I kept being the slow one. Three years later, we went to Scotland. It was suggested that I cross a bridge and wait for the others to go the long way around where we would meet up again. I wanted to be part of the group that went around. I always felt a pressing need to use the toilet because my bladder was compromised by the excess weight. My friends waited for me at intersections yet when I arrived off we would go crossing the street. I had to take a cab back after supper. So, though, I wanted to be part of the group and to chose another activity I would go back to the room to read. It was a sobering thought that I could not keep up with some who were twenty years older than me.
How did you decide which proceedure to have?
I had decided that RNY was the best type of surgery as I felt that I had the disease of eating too much. I wanted it permanently corrected. I felt that I would be best served with the method I chose. I knew the surgeon had an excellent reputation, and felt confident in his abilities. I knew the hospital was excellent. They had learned that the hospital had over-sized beds for the weight I carried on my body. I knew that the nursing staff was great.
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 fears that were alleviated with my research. I know my family had fears. Yet, I explained that it was a necessary surgery as I would surely die sooner if I did not have the surgery. I knew that dying was always an option but felt that the surgeon and the support staff who had me in their hands were excellent. Fears are part of our make up as humans. It is not easy to dispel fears. I have a fear of heights and an open stairway frightens me initially. Yet, I take the stairs as it leads me to where I need to go. Take the stairs. Lead yourself to better health.
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?
Many people who knew of my struggle to lose weight cheered me on as the weight dropped in my year before the surgery. Many of these same people asked me why since I was successful would I chose surgery. I had people asking me the day before the surgery if I was still going through with it. At that point, I felt calm and at peace with my decision. I said that the surgery would lead me to a healthy weight. It would continue the work that God was already doing in me. I have the best friends who comment on how well I look. I am listened to as I tell my tale of losing weight. In most cases, the joy I see on my friends face reflect their love of me. I can communicate with those who give the comments that they would not take this step. I can say, it was right for me. I know that my healthy approach to eating now is seen by many. I feel bolder now that I am smaller. Is that a contradiction. Life is good.
How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?
I did not tell the boss why I had the surgery. I just had to put in the necessary paperwork for the weeks I chose to recuperate. I took off seven weeks. I was going to take off just six weeks. I had my surgery in the winter. I was glad not to have to go out in the ice, and snow. I thought that was a great time to recuperate. I chose Walk Away the Pounds that was free on my cable channel because I could not walk outside. I took an extra week off because it was school vacation week for my grandchildren. I wanted to be part of the joy of that week. I could keep up with them better.
What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?
My stay was longer than some. I was there from early in the morning on Thursday until Sunday afternoon. I had a bad reaction to the protein drink. I also had some blood pressure issues, and a slight fever on Friday. I was initially placed in a semi private room. The other patient had emotional issues, and was constantly having the doctor and nurses come into the room. I already had sleep issues, and told the nurse on duty that I felt I needed something not for pain but to sleep. Well, she found an empty private room that she made ready for me. I went to that room at midnight. Everything was transferred from the phone system so that I would get my calls from friends. I was all set to get sleep at midnight. It was a tough situation. I was so pleased for the outcome. You are constantly monitored for well being check ups. It is only small naps that you will get. I brought a nightgown, robe, and slippers for my walks in the corridor. I did not want to expose myself to drafts. I did have the IV trolley to contend with and the catheter bag to carry along as I strolled. I had several magazines and a book that I was well into to read. I was tired and could not break into a new book in that setting. I brought a note book and pen. I did not bring my own pillow but do recommend that you have one to hug for the ride home. Your abdomen muscles will notice all the potholes and rough spots on the ride. I brought my own shampoo and facial cleanser. I found that I could only have sponge baths in the hospital. I was glad I brought my sense of dignity. You have so many who see the underside of your clothing! I did not have a size larger pair of pants to wear home. My pants were stretchy but were still too tight with the water gain from the IV fluids.
Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?
I had no pain from the surgery. I had started to walk the evening of the surgery. I would have been walking sooner yet the other patient was using up my nurses time. I was able to get moving with the help of a nursing assistant once I made my wishes known. I already stated that I did have an initial intolerance to the protein drink, high blood pressure, and stayed an extra day. I had a huge gas bubble that passed through my system while I had company. It did not cause me embarrassment though. I also had a bout with diarrhea that I was unable to get to the toilet in time. It was embarrassing to say the least. It was treated with dignity by the personal assistant.
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 wished that I had a sooner surgery date, I supposed it would take a long time. I was told of the date in October less than a week after my consultation. Yet, because it was following the holiday season, I thought that was the best time. I did not have any anxiety over the surgery. I just hoped that I would be a good candidate following the pre-surgical tests. My sister and cousin had had gall bladder surgery. I was wondering if I would need it. I was given an ultrasound that showed I had a healthy gall bladder. My RNY surgeon would have removed my gall bladder had I needed it. I kept on researching this surgery. I know I stayed up late some nights online. It was part of my coping mechanism.
Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?
I was happy to be out of the hospital and getting on with my life. I ate small portions. I had prepared a pureed version of my favorite soup that I froze in an ice cube tray. I kept putting things away in the fridge that were tiny. You need tiny containers. It was easy to follow the surgeon's instructions as you know that you just had major surgery. I would have bursts of energy and want to tackle huge projects only to have the energy dissipate. I was glad that my husband was able to stay home the first week. He helped my in my need to purge the cabinets, closets and brought the salvageable goods to St Vincent de Paul. It was the first of many visits to give away clothes that I had under grown. My friend offered to take me out. I knew that I only had a certain amount of energy, and time away from my water. I did let the visit to the store drain me. It was tiring just poking around a store in the first few weeks.
How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)
I went to a hospital that is twenty minutes away as the crow flies. I have a support system in that there are twice weekly seminars. I love this about the hospital. My surgeon or his partner will always be at the seminars. I have grown to love the psychologist who presents topics as well as the different WLS post ops who tell of their experiences and answer questions.
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.
The first four weeks, and some of the next few weeks, I ate pureed foods. I even had baby food turkey which surprisingly tasted good. My first intolerance to milk lead me to drink soy milk. It was tasty. I made my own non sugar added applesauce and pear sauce. I had pureed soups that I had previously made. I did not experiment often as I found things that worked and stuck to them. I had issues with egg beaters feeling heavy on my pouch. I also had issues with vomiting of chicken. I knew I was eating slowly so I stayed away from these foods for months. I was just able to eat chicken successfully twice last week.
What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?
I was a burst of energy and then fizzed out. I went to the treadmill to have only four minutes as a struggle on the level...it was a comeuppance. I am more active now.
What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?
I take a multivitamin, B12, and calcium. I took iron but it caused me to be constipated. My iron is now just in my multivitamin and foods.
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 did not feel that I had many instances of dumping. I eat well. Yet, I do vomit. Though, not in the last three months. I am a year out. I have felt uncomfortable. I can eat a prune or two but three are too much. I did not lose my hair. I was taking Biotin for most of the first 8 months. I only have some nausea but I think it is when the sugar level is high based on the amount of food. I know that I cannot tolerate fat. I tried Chinese food only to learn not to go there!
What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?
I am trying to think of an answer to this question. Let me see if I can get back to you on this question.
What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?
I can go twice a week to a support group situation. Many people attend. I would say sometimes there are more than 50 people in attendance. It is very helpful. I also feel I can help with my remarks.
What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?
My scars are tiny. Yes, I did not expect anything large. The biggest one is three quarters of an inch.
Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.
I have had many plateaus. I feel that if I do not eat the amount of protein I do plateau. I find that the days where I feel the meat is stuck are the days I do not lose.
Do you notice people treating you any differently now?
Yes, if you can say that clerks come up to you to wait on you in stores is a plus. My co-workers who had not found time to talk to me often will make an opportunity to compliment me.

RNY, Obesity Help Conference & Other Travels

<a href="http://events.obesityhelp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Join me at #OH2013" src="http://events.obesityhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/attending.png" width="200" height="200" /></a>

I made all the arrangements for travel and hotel to attend the Obesity Help Conference in Anaheim. It will be my first trip to CA other than the layover for my flight back from the Mother of All Meet & Greets in May '12. This time I hope to get to some famous places right by the hotel. I have never been to any Disney theme park. Let's see what I do there.

I have not been on a roller coaster in years and my last trip to a theme park was when my grandchildren were young. I hope some of the people will be up for a day at Disney. It is adventure that I would love to share.

I have but a few minutes before I get going to my bible study class today. We met weekly during the school year and have met once in July and this day in August. I was glad to hear that we are meeting today as I have missed my friends. I spent two Sundays in the nursery at church, this past weekend away in Phoenix, and I am ready to see my friends.

I love to travel and I love to be home. My church family makes up for my family being spread all over the country. I will be able to see my sister in law next year two different times as I will be going to Tampa in April and Orlando in September. I am glad that it is late September as I plan on going to England in early September.

I keep to my schedule of eating with the RNY protocol of protein first everywhere I go. I bring along individual packages of protein powder to add to my protein intake for the day. I usually start with my protein before breakfast. I make it and drink some while taking my vitamins. It is very important to keep up your vitamin regime as an RNY post op. My first task when packing is to ready my vitamins in SMTWTFS compartments. I make sure that I take extra just in case there are delays in travel.

I do hope to see you in Anaheim in October. Please get in touch with obesityhelp.com to attend if you have not already done so.

Weight Loss First Year of RNY Surgery (Read Up)

16 Mar 09	147.1 lb	Reasonably Well
16 Feb 09	150.7 lb	Reasonably Well
31 Jan 09	153.6 lb	Reasonably Well
03 Jan 09	158.0 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Dec 08	158.0 lb	Reasonably Well
11 Nov 08	165.0 lb	Reasonably Well
28 Oct 08	166.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 Sep 08	168.0 lb	Reasonably Well
05 Aug 08	177.0 lb	Reasonably Well
07 Jul 08	183.0 lb	Reasonably Well
23 Jun 08	186.0 lb	100%
03 Jun 08	192.0 lb	Reasonably Well
16 May 08	194.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 May 08	202.0 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Apr 08	203.0 lb	Reasonably Well
02 Apr 08	216.0 lb	Reasonably Well
05 Mar 08	225.0 lb	Reasonably Well
06 Feb 08	239.0 lb	Reasonably Well
23 Jan 08	245.5 lb	Reasonably Well
18 Jan 08	248.0 lb

I came to this website after I had surgery. I was home for several weeks and searching the Internet on my new laptop computer. I was thrilled to find a way to keep a chart that would help me see how I lost. Now, I am excited to be able to show newer post ops how I lost weight in small increments. Thus not to worry when they stall and reach a plateau. I weighed far in excess of this original posting back in February 2007. I went on my own self determined weight loss for the umpteenth time. I did have help from a dietician during some of the months in the summer of 2007. I would bounce what I was doing off her with the hopes of a new direction should I need it.

I lost 81 pounds prior to surgery and was probably a fit and start loser during 2007. I did lose 12 pounds while away in Dominica with all the steady walking over the hills in the high humidity. Yet, I came back to work with the same restrictions and lack of thought by my supervisors to properly use me at work. It had been 7 years since my on the job accident. There were days when all they would have me do was office work. Granted that I spent a lot of time walking around the workroom floor but it was not fully utilising me. It was in those months that I learned about RNY surgery from my friend Pat. He was to have the surgery in July. In August 2007, I went with him to an informational seminar at the hospital.

At that time, I had lost 50 pounds. I was on my way to losing more but knew that one time I had lost 55 pounds on a weight loss program and gained all that back and more. We are cautioned not to think about the numbers on a scale. I was enjoying the new energy associated with losing weight as well as the control I felt each and every meal. I was eating sufficiently for my health needs.

I was continuing my traveling with a week long family trip to DC that summer. All the walking and needing to find a bench often to sit on made me realize that I needed to address the problem with my knees. I did find an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in knees. I was able to get cortisone shots in my left knee. What a difference. I was walking longer and at a faster pace.

I was told that I could return in three months and did for more relief. To my amazement, he reintroduced himself as he did not recognize me at a smaller weight. This happened another two times and he must have made a notation in the charts because now he knows me.

I am sure you have similar incidents to report where people do not recognize you at a smaller weight. I have many even from people who worked with me for 25 years and saw me from a distance or from behind! You will have many instances where you will think am I losing fast enough? is this surgery working? am I stopped right now? amd I done?
I hope my chart shows you that you can lose and will lose at a varing pace. This is only the first year. I had surgery in 2008, I have had peaks and valleys in my maintenance. I arrived back from a trip to Europe lower than I had left. It was a great trip with many of long days walking from the days at The Louvre, The Vatican, Pompeii and a concentration camp in Germany.

Your life changes and your activity level will vary. I am retired and home most days. It means that I have to work harder to maintain my weight.

I would love to hear your story. I would love to hear if I have helped you with this chart.

#RNY #Gastric #bypass #surgery #weightloss #community

You Need to Remember All the Hard Work You Have Accomplished.

Looking Back Before RNY Surgery

Infant Maya, 2004 

2007

Some early photos prior to surgery. 

Advocacy Training at OAC Convention

I am fired up and ready to go to Washington to advocate for the Treatment and Reduce Obesity Act. 

It was my second day of advocacy training as I went last year. I felt like a fish out of water last year. I learned a lot from the people selected to be on my advocacy team in the mock visits to the legislators. It is right and a good thing to share our story. 

The training gets you to focus on why you are there and to ask for support of the bill. There will be points brought up that may lead the conversation away from asking the question we learned. The legislator's aid will not want to say no. Steering the conversation back and telling why you personally are an advocate for this bill with a concise telling of your story is what you can do.

How did obesity effect your life? How would early intervention therapy have helped you? This bill is aimed at changing the benefits for Medicare recipients. Please go on line to see this bill and write your representative and senators to advocate for their sponsoring of this bill. Email the Obesity Action Coalition and find out how you can get more involved. 

In the Air and I am Awake

Today, I flew from Logan at six am. It was a sleepless night. I am not going to sleep on this plane, I am sure. Have you ever just known that you wouldn't sleep? I am an insomniac and have less sleep per week then I should have.  I get four and a half hours steady at the most at night or in the early morning. 

Since I am retired and do not have a set place to go, I can sleep in mornings.   Oh, I get up and get busy most of the time but this past week has been harder than usual. I could say that I was on Phoenix time. All week, i was awake until three or four in the morning. I was up all night for no reason too many days. Why? I have no stress or anxiety there is nothing that comes to mind as a reason why I am up. 

I do go to bed many a time and just lat there unable to sleep. I get comfortable let my mind settle yet sleep doesn't come. I could be there hours. I know get up you might say but I want and need rest. So, I try.

How do you get your rest? Do you hit the bed and fall right to sleep? 

I am up in the air and up most nights! I see many who are awake who have had weight loss surgery as I have had. I had sleep problems before I had surgery. So, I am wondering if you did also or did it come on after surgery?

I am up in the air where thinking is limited due to less oxygen and my system is dehydrated. I know that my nose was going to need help so I put saline solution in my nostrils this morning. Look it up! You now know that I am up in the air. I am awake. I am above the clouds heading to Chicago. 

#insomnia #weightlosssurgery #rny