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

I had heard of bariatic surgery and always thought that was not for me! I just thought if that is what it takes to lose weight then I will just be fat! I had a friend at church who had it done and she became my hero! She began dropping weight and each week I saw her she looked better and better. She said she wished she had done the surgery earlier, that it was the best thing she had ever done.

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 with insurance approval. I feel bad for those who do.

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

I was a little nervous but Dr. Clements made me feel totally at ease. I was asked to watch a short video on the procedure and then went back to the exam room to talk with Dr. Clements. I had a few questions written down that I wanted to ask, otherwise I probably would have forgotten them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had prayed about whether it was right for me or not. I felt very much at peace about my decision and also seeing the results of others and hearing their positive comments made things easy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didn't decide. I let Dr. Clements decide for me. He felt I was a good candidate for laproscopic procedure which pleased me.

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 felt that if I followed the doctors orders that things would go well. I realize that many have problems and I guess I would deal with that if it happened. I say put your trust in God and he will see you through whatever may arise.

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 was extremely supportive. I had some friends who did not react favorably to my decision. I did not hide the fact that I was going to have the surgery but I didn't broadcast it to everyone either.

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

My employer had no problems with the surgery. I work for the school system and had this done just prior to Christmas break. I will be able to return to work after Christmas break without any extra time off. I would have felt well enough to return to work after one week, especially since I have a desk job.

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

My stay in the hospital was not really plesant. I spent the first night in the critical care unit because of the sleep apnea problem. This was misearable. There were so many very, very ill patients and I was alert enough to know what was going on around me. I hated to have to call the nurses for anything. They seemed to resent having to come help me on the bedpan etc... I wondered if they thought I wasn't important because of the type surgery I had.

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

I have not had any complications at this time - I am just two weeks post op.

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 am still early post op, but I am already feeling better. I even have more energy and get around better than before.

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

The first few days home from the hospital I spent in bed. I mostly slept off and on and still had my pain medicine handy. I think I felt more uncomfortable from having to lie on my back and not getting up and down well, rather than from real pain.

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

I had an hours drive to the hospital for my surgery. On the day I was discharged to go home the nurse let me have pain medicine just prior to leaving so I had no problems with the ride home.

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 have found that rice and pastas do not agree with me. Sometime I have trouble with meats if I forget to chew very well!

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

I have taken chewable multi vitamins and have also used the vitamin gumballs occassionally. I have taken calcium, B vitamins and vitamin E. I tried protein supplements during the hair loss period but never really found anything I could stand the taste of.

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

Dr. Clements has a support group for his patients. I went several times but because they were usually at night and it was an hours drive from my home I haven't been in awhile.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Some people are really nice to me now that I felt like avoided me before. That makes me think they are shallow!