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

I first heard about the surgery in the 80's but at that time the insurance would not pay for it and it cost to much so I had to forget about it. I was praying for a miracle and knew that it had to be something I could do for my self. One of my real close friends had the appointment to see Dr. Stahl and I took her to it and she asked him about his age limit and he told me to fill out his papers and we could talk about it. Dr. Stahl was my miracle. I felt this when we were talking and I knew everything would be okay.

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

The doctors office did it all and it was approved quickly.

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

I knew what was going on and had reserched it a lot on the internet so I had some intelligent questions to ask and I really felt that the Lord had His hand in this undertaking. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH and know what to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided before I had ever talked to DR. Stahl but I had to find a doctor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took the doctors recommendation,. He had the experience and I had complete confidence in him.

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 as I felt the Lord was guiding the whole thing and I felt Him with me all the way. I think it is important you go into this surgery in the right frame of mind.

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 friend and family were very supportive and they felt it was the right thing to do as with my weight and age I coud have a heart attack and die so this was what I needed to do. My friend who had her surgery one month before tried to discourge me as she was having a hard time but later she said she was glad I went ahead. It was great to hear that my son in law as bragging on me. It feels good to be able to buy clothes without the mark up because the size was larger.

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

I had gotten laid off in July so there was no problem there. I was release to go back to looking for work in 7 days so it wasn't much time off. I had lap and healed very well and was also back in the pool for excersie in 7 days also.

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

I went in to the hospital on Monday morning, had the surgery and was in intensive care the first day due to having sleep apena. I was release on Wednesday morning. This may sound terrible but I would recommend taking a long handle wooden spoon (that you can throw away when you are better). This would help you with your trips to the bathroom. It is very hard to wipe the bottom when you can't twist or bend the body. I had to ask for help and the aide was not very helpful.

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

I had a lot of dry heaves and they had to run a test to see if I had pulled anything loose.

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 felt great and knew it was what I wanted to do and needed to do.

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

I played a lot of it by ear and listened to many other people who had had the surgery and followed all the advice I could. If you eat something you shouldn't or more than you should you will have a dumping syndrom and you learn quickly what to do and what not to do. Drink all the water they say to it really helps/

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

It was about a 2.5 hour drive and it didn't have any affect of my aftercare. Everything went like clock work.

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 introducted the heavier foods in slowly. I got a card from Dr. Stahl that some restruants honor and am allowed to get a child plate on many things. I still do that at times but I find I can eat alot more these and have tomake a concious effort to not eat a lot.

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

I resumed my regular schedule after 7 days. In the pool 5 days a week for close to 1 hour

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

I take 2 calicum tablets (chewable) one b12 and 1 multi vitamin a day

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 didn't have much problem with any of them. I have only had the vomiting twice and one of them was about 3 weeks ago. I have diarrhea all the time but I had some of that ever since my gall bladder was removed. I just let it run its course which is not that much.

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

The waiting to get the apprpoval was the worst.

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

Had one but didn't get much out of it.

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

I have five little half inch marks that are hardly noticable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have gained a little of the initial lose back. I am trying to reverse this now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel people treat me different. I know people have made fun of my size and I feel better about my self.