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

In 1993 there was a Dr. in the Seattle area that was offering this surgery, I went to one of his informational classes. Thought it sounded like a permanent way to control my weight, but I was not 100lbs overweight plus my insurance then had a very strict clause that it did not pay for anything related to weight.

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

I was the last patient on a Friday night, which probably wasn't the best spot to have! And weekends and holidays are not the best times to be in the hospital because usually staff is at a minimum. I really didn't need to bring anything except underware and some good lotion to use after my shower.

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

Yes. I quit breathing during the procedure and also during recovery. Remember people yelling at me and telling me to breath. Was in recovery for 4 hours-then did not get any pain meds until I was in my room and all hooked up to stuff so was making a terrible ruckus (I was told anyway) from being in so much pain. Had a very hard time breathing for about three-four days post-op, but then my lungs finally decided to start working again.

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 very excited and ready to go. I tried not to dwell on it too much, just follow the pre-op diet rules as best as I could.

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

I was extremely weak. It was such an effort to move. I did not want to eat anything-food was just too unappealing. My poor husband went to the grocery several times getting different foods because nothing tasted good to me except cream of broccoli soup (strained of course). After about two weeks, I was going to grocery with him and walking much father. I took lots of naps and forced myself to drink lots of water and walk as much as possible

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

Approximately 5 miles. No problem with follow-up care.

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.

At first everything tasted awful. After a couple of weeks, the strained soups started tasting better and cottage cheese was ok. Have always hated Jell-o so didn't do much of that. Puddings were so-so until I tried adding protein to them and then YUCK! By week four I added scrambled egg and little bits of baked potato and some soft beans. That is when I started feeling like I wanted to eat-when real food was added. Also after I could swallow my vitamins-could not tolerate mixing them with anyting. Sugar and high fat is off limits!

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

Very low for first 3-4 weeks, then slowly I was able to do more and more. I am 7 weeks out right now and still not 100%. Just being patient with myself.

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

Flintstone complete chewable in the morning and Bariblend capsules in the evening. The capsules tend to make me sick to my stomach if I take them earlier. Also take calcium in the evenings.

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?

Have been very fortunate not to have much nausia or vomiting. Just a few episodes. The first week I was given a liquid antibiotic and it made me the most sick to this point with vomiting. Have only had diarreah after eating once and no hair loss yet either. The worst part for me is that I tend to eat too fast and I cause myself to have a terrible pain in my chest. I am learning to control that much better now! (slow learner! LOL )

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

Has to be the recovery room and the first few hours after surgery. I was in way too much pain.

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

Nothing official-I read the message board here allot and that helps, plus I work with two other ladies that have had this and we support eachother quite a bit.

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

Have six small horizional scars. Yes, pretty much what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ever since I have added meat and other foods to my diet I have stopped losing weight quickly. I still am going down, just not as fast which I think is a good thing, much healthier for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Getting allot of "looks" from everyone at work. I don't think they quiet know what to say. But not getting treated any differently. Yet.