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

I heard about bariatric surgery ten years ago. I was 25 at the time and wanted to wait to see how it works out in the years to come. In 1999 my sister had surgery for acid reflux by Dr Marema, she came to work and told me to go to see him for some reason I was willing to settle for the way I was that nothing was going to help me. Also I didn't have health insurance so there was no means to pay for the surgery. I went to my regular doctor and she suggest that I have the surgery. Due to the fact that I am still gaining weight and I have diabetes and high blood pressure. My knees keep going out on me and I am in pain. When Dr. Robinson who is a wonderful Doctor said that too me, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. I said lets do it, if I am cover by my insurance company. I feel this is my last chance at life. I have been saying for the past 8 years that I would die by the time I was 40 years old. I went to Dr. Marema intro meeting which was filled with lots of information. I really liked what I had heard and I am waiting to see if I get the ok from the insurance company. I am so excited. I now feel like there is a light at the end of the tunel.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Diabetes

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 didn't have any fears of dying from having the surgery but I had fear that I would end up without my limbs or eye sight due to diabetes.

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 sister was all for the surgery. My father said I should be able to diet and take the weight off. Mom went along with my desison. Today they are all very happy I have had the surgery even my father.

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

My employer supported my decision and I was out of work for one week.

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

My four day stay in the hospital was a good experience. Slippers were the most important thing for me to bring since I did lots of walking.

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

I haven't had any complications from the surgery.

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 was very tired for six weeks. I didn't have much pain or anxiety. I was able to take care of myself without help when I came home.

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

My first few weeks after surgery left me very tired. After eating only two tablespoons of food I would want to go back to bed.

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

I travel one mile to have my surgery.

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 eat only animal protein. I do have a hard time eating chicken.

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

I had very little actvity for six weeks after surgery.

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

Muti vitamin Vitamin D Vitamin C Iron

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 never did have any side affects.

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

Aftercare support group programs are very important to have after surgery. I have a support group that meets twice a month. Also there are many other mini support groups that go on daily at my drs office.

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

I have seven one inch scares. Yes this is what I had expected to have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The second month out of surgery I had a plateau for four weeks and everything was awful to eat. My eight and ninth month out I plateau for nine weeks. I had to change a few things around and get moving.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I am not being stared at any longer. I feel normal now.