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

My doctor told me about the surgery about 6 years ago. It took me that long to research it and decide if it was the choice for me. I'm so glad now that I made the choice to go thru with it.

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

I didn't have any problems getting approved. Actually got my approval within 2 weeks.

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

Dr. Weinstein here in Mobile,AL to me is the best. He listened and really wanted to help me. Be honest with your doctor and tell him your weight history, the battle of losing and gaining.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had alot of health problems that were getting worst. My blood pressure was really bad and when my GP told me if I didn't do something I wouldn't live to be 45 or 50. That was my wake up call.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance decided for me. They would only approve the RNY, I had been looking at having the duodenial switch done but they wouldn't approve that one.

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?

Of course the fear of dying from surgery was there but as I said before my doctor said if I didn't do something I wouldn't be here anyways. Besides I wasn't really living before surgery. Now I have more energy and want to get out and do more.

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 great after I set my foot down so to speak. They didn't understand at first why I would do something like this. I will say that since surgery they have all been great. Making sure I'm ok and helping my with clothes.

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

My boss was great. She understood and supported me in my decision. My surgery was March 27, 2002 and I returned to work on May 1, 2002.

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

The staff at Mobile Infirmary where wonderful. My surgery was on a wednesday and I came home on friday. PJ's that are easy to get in and out of.

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

Did have the first problem except drinking that nasty stuff the morning after surgery when they check for leaks. Man that stuff is gross.

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 was nervous but had a friend that had had the surgery back in Oct. I called her 2 days before surgery crying and asking her what I had gotten myself into. She was more help than she will ever know.

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

I didn't have any problems so to speak. I came home with my drain tub and it was uncomfortable but other than that I can't complain. Just make sure you get up and move around even if you don't feel like it. Believe me you will feel better afterwards.

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

I'm only about 30 mins from the hospital so it wasn't bad traveling at all.

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.

The first 2 weeks were the hardest. Eating soupy stuff isn't my cup of tea. Once I was able to start eating real food again I felt alot better. I have noticed that I can't eat any kind of meat that is leftover and chicken seems to give me the most trouble. Now I can eat anything I want except sugar. I have noticed that some things fill me up faster than others.

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

I did alot of walking.

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

I'm taking Flintstone's Complete and a chewable calcium.

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?

My worst side effect was not being able to sleep because of coming home with the drain. It was very hard to get comfortable with that sticking out of your stomach. Other than that I really didn't have any side effects.

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

The drain tube.

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

I have 6 small scars that I think will fade in time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have noticed that the weight will drop by 2 or 3 lbs all at once. Then it may be a few days before you see a difference again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. They all want to know how I'm losing the weight but all my friends and family and co-workers treat me the same.