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

I've known about it for several years however when I would check into having it done most doctors said I was too heavy.

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

I had no problems getting approved however they are not paying the bills as agreed. My doctor handled all the paperwork but I called the insurance company weekly to hopefully rush them.

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

Very pleasant and informational. Doctor explained all the procedures and did minor test to assure I was a candidate for the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was going downhill fast because of knee problems and I was beginning to go to sleep while at work.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Listening to my doctor and reading about the risk and benefits of the diffrent types of surgery.

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 been told by many doctors that because of my weight I may not wake up when put to sleep.

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 family lives out of state and only see me occasionally at which time they are happy with my progress.

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

I had been put on medical leave several times and was on medical leave when my doctor put me on permenant medical leave.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. The saff was very knowledgeable and caring. The only problem I incountered was noone had any knowledge on how to operate the special bed I was in.

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

I had a leak were the small intestine was attached to the pouch. My doctor had me back in the hospital for an additional 4 days after I had home nurses for ten days.

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 had pain especially in my back and legs.

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

The first 2 weeks at home I had nurses because they were feeding me intraveniously. After just minor pain dealing with the knees and back that put me in the hospital in the first place.

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

The distance is 40 miles one way from my house. No problem with aftercare.

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 cannot eat any grilled foods. There is something about the charcoal taste that doesn't agree with me.

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

My actvity level increased but I am still very seditary like I was before surgery.

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

Flintstone complete and 3 Tums daily.

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 only have occasional vomiting when I eat to much.

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

None

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

It is about the size of a old silver dollar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently in a plateau, I haven't lost but 5 lbs in 3 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No