Anna-Lena had private surgery with us in Malmö. We interviewed her about a week later to see how it is going:
What problems or concerns has being overweight given you?
-The more weight I gained, the more I had problems with my hips and back. For me, this became yet another mental barrier. At a young age, I competed in weightlifting and lifted 85 kg. I used to love training a lot and ran 30 km a week, but life changed and I lost myself in everything that adult life entails. In recent years, I have stressed more than usual with a lot of work, which has also given me an excuse not to deal with my overweight, perhaps. My obesity made my self-confidence hit rock bottom and the worse I felt, the more I worked. In this way, I didn’t have to be social either, as I lacked the energy, and I felt ashamed of my own appearance. I haven’t had the confidence to try to find a new love and have continued to be single for many years.
What had you tried to do before to lose weight? How did it go?
– In 2016, I met a wonderful dietitian at my health center. She referred me to Behavioral Medicine and I joined their program. I then had to go to a rehab center for a few weeks to relax, learn more about nutrition (which I felt I had a good handle on anyway), and it turned out that my stress level was extremely high. We trained three times a day, and I learned the benefits of eating six meals a day. Before I went to the rehab, I had already contacted a surgeon and had been approved for a sleeve operation. But during my weeks at the treatment center, I promised that doctor to give their program a chance, so I cancelled the surgery. Weight loss with this program lasted a few months, but after that I started to gain weight again.
How come you decided on bariatric surgery?
– After many years with a dietitian, journaling, and reading everything I can about surgery, I also contacted some previous patients who went through a sleeve operation. After these years, I felt that this was the only way out. I am 54, and I hope I have 50 years left to live. I needed help as I couldn’t manage weight loss on my own. This kind of thing is not something I took lightly, but I tried all other avenues first. Undergoing surgery felt like the last resort.
Was there anything you worried about before the operation? And how come you chose a gastric sleeve?
– No, not really. I felt well-informed and those working at GB Obesitas have a lot of experience. I felt secure in my decision. I had already set my sights on a sleeve gastrectomy and that was also what the surgeon recommended during the initial visit.
How was your experience with us in Malmö during your in patient stay?
– A pure sense of security! Upon arrival, I was assigned a bed and welcomed warmly. I was explained what would happen, and within an hour, I was ready for surgery. I was given the option to back out of the surgery if I had changed my mind, and I could ask questions if I had any. The surgery, which took 25 minutes, went well. Before I was anesthetized, I remember the smiling eyes of the staff, jokes were made, and I felt like ‘one of the gang.’ I must say it was a warm welcome and care. The first day, I was up and walking a little, and the next day I was discharged. Before discharge, I received good information about how I might feel and what would be normal. I stayed in Malmö for 2 extra days at a nearby hotel since I live in Umeå in northern Sweden. I received daily phone calls where the staff checked how I was doing. It was reassuring to know that I could always reach someone if I had questions.
How are you doing now?
– It has been 8 days since the surgery. I have had good support from the Baribuddy app, which I have used diligently. It feels like a lot to keep track of at the beginning, and it reminds me of my meals, injections, and exercise. The app helps me keep track of my eating and make sure I get the amount I should have. I feel like I have good energy all morning, but around 4 PM I get tired. By then, I have had a full day, and I would like to lie down for a bit. I have also been called by a nurse with follow-up questions.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
– Effective weight loss and finding my way back to feeling like myself physically. I weighed 99.8 kg a month ago and was ordered to lose weight to reach 96.8 kg before the surgery day, which I accomplished. This morning I weighed 92.4 kg. I am still swollen in my stomach, which is normal, so I am taking it easy. I look forward to overcoming the feeling of insecurity, finding my self-confidence again, and starting to be social again.
Do you have anything more you would like to share?
– Two days before my trip down to Malmö, I think I broke down in a lot of tears as I thought what a weak person I am for not being able to lose weight without surgery. I realize today that my weight gain is not entirely my fault, and I am so happy that I had the surgery done with you in Malmö. I had chosen not to tell anyone except my boss, my sons, and my mom that I was going to undergo this surgery because I was ashamed. So foolish, right? The day after the surgery, I wrote to my brother and told him, and I have received such wonderful support from him and his wife. They confirmed that they had seen that I wasn’t feeling well and that they’ll give me all the support I need. This was a well-founded decision and something I have been thinking about for several years, and I am so glad that I have now done it. It feels like a fantastic investment in my own future.
