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

Interesting, wanted to read and find out all I could, then I figured it would be the best long term answer for me and I would have to make sacrafices that would benifit my health long term.

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

I had little problem at all.

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

I listened and took my husband with me for an extra set of ears and opinion and questions. I only wish I had another consult after approval and prior to surgery for more questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My father has become diabetic, had a toe removed and is dieing of heart disease. My dr told me that my quality of life in later years would probably be like my father's if I didn't do something to loose weight immediately.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

To me, it was the most permanent long term solutions that was out there.

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?

The thought of putting my life in someone else's hands when I am so in control of my self daily was hard on me but I put it to faith that everything would go alright. I committed myself to following the dr's orders and regiment prior and post surgery and it all went well. I read all I could about the procedure and about dr stelmack to gain confidence too.

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?

Most people were shocked, didnt think I was that overweight to go through something so drastic. But in the end they supported me, telling me that I would be their lab-rat. See how it goes for me, and if mine works out, then they might consider it.

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

Off work for 1 week post surgery. Days 8-14 worked only part time from home. Went back full time, full speed ahead after 14.

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

It was okay. 4 days. Was impressed with the cleanliness of facility. Hair dryer and curling iron (tee hee), loose fitting clothes for going home such as sweat suit, calling card for calls 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?

Slowly gaining speed back to regular normal life. Talked w/ family and friends about feelings.

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

I have a water bed and my bed room is on second floor. I rented a hospital bed and stayed on first floor up until 14 days post op.

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

45 minutes no affect on 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.

btc was ice chips 0-2 then clear liquids days 2-8 during this time I could only stomach water and some chicken broths but mostly water; anything that was sweet, even though it wasn't sugar (nutra-sweet, aspertame,etc) made me queezy - didn't like it! days 8-20 is full liquid diet and I seem to only be able to eat one thing once and then I didn't like it again. Skim milk has become my best friend. Stuggling every day with trying to keep up my 71 grams of proteins a day. I have found a health food store that has some high protein drinks that fit my diet that are helping keep up my protein quota. I avoid anything and everything that might give me gas or fill me up to quickly, keeping me from getting my proteins in.

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

Slowly got arround but forced myself to, no matter what and then momentum picked up arround day 13 and I am almost back to normal, I feel. *day 19 today*

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

chewable prenatal every day.... dietician doesn't want me to start suplimentation until after 6 weeks post surgery

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 still have no appatite and have to make myself eat. Still fighting to keep up my proteins and winning the battle.

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

the full liquid diet sux! needs more variety. i was not picky before surgery but have became very picky post surgery.

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

yahoo support web site ...very helpful!

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

cause of having twin full term birth, i had terrible huge stretch marks from pregnancy; it seems to make my scar bumpy; worried about if it will soften out over time.. worse than i expected but greatful that they used glues and not stitching or stapling; it would of made it more painful and worse scaring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

been loosing every day; haven't had a plateau yet