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

On this website, is where I first heard about Bariatric Surgery. This website really helped me with my research.

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

I have Cigna POS, when I first applied for this surgery they denied me because I did not have 6 months of Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program. After I completed the insurance requirements, they approved with no problem. I got approved at the end of November 2006 and had my surgery on Jan. 3, 2007.

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

The first meeting with the surgeon was brief, he looked at my file and told me that I was a candidate for this surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I needed to do something, because I was Insulin Resistance and I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I wanted to be around when my youngest daughter who is 11 had children. The way I was going I was not going to be around.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By talking to the surgeon, and he recommended the Gastric Bypass done lapriscopedly.

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?

As normal with any surgery I was scared and a little nervous. But talking to my surgeon, he really set my mind at ease about the surgery. He assured me that everything would be done to insure my total recovery

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 and friends were excited for me because they knew how I had been feeling and were scared for me. After surgery they are very supportive and help me in any way possible

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

My coworkers were excited for me, because they knew how I had been struggling with my weight. They are very supportive of me and my efforts to lose weight. I was only out of work for 3 weeks

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

It was comforting and I slept most of the day of surgery after I got out of recovery. I was in the hospital for 1 1/2 days. Just bring clothes to go home.

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

No

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

When I finally got approved I was so excited but I was also nervous. But I was ready and psyched about the surgery, because I knew this was going to be a life changing thing for the rest of my life.

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

The first weeks, I struggled with constipation, but I was not getting enough water or fiber in my diet. I also got full a lot faster. Some days I could not eat all of my protein. Make sure you drink at least 48 to 64 oz of water a day after surgery. I would not want someone to struggle with constipation like I did.

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

I had my surgery in the city I live in.

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.

After surgery you were on a full bariatric liquid diet, this consisted of Protein shakes, liquify cream of chicken soup, sugar free popsicle, sugar free jell-o, broth (chicken and beef) You did this for 4 weeks after surgery. On your 5th week you got to go to soft foods, this consited of scrambled eggs, skim milk, vienna sausages mixed with fat free salad dressing, protein shake, chicken tenderloins and soft foods like that. After 8 weeks you can eat regular food, make sure you chew you food very good and make you meals last 30 to 45 mins. No beef for 6 months, no skins or seeds for six months.

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

the weeks after surgery my energy was low because I could not be very active as I recovered. After about 4 weeks my energy level went up, I could walk faster and not get tired, I could walk farther without my back hurting.

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

Multi-vitamin liquid form every day, I also take a liquid calcium every night.

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 have not had any of the things listed at the left.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Trying to get all you water and protein and fiber in everyday, especially right after surgery. It is getting easier to do this, of course I am 7 weeks out from surgery and getting all my food is getting easier.

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

I have a Bariatric Surgery Support Group in my area that meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month. This group has been very helpful to me in my food struggles

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

Since my surgery was done lapriscopicly, I have 6 small scars on my stomach. Yes this is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just constipation problems, but that is getting better as I am getting all my food in.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, that talk to me more and compliment me more