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

Watched several programs on TV.

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

I have BCBS of Il and once I got all the correct paperwork to them it went very smoothly, approved 2 weeks later

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

I already knew my surgeon from previous contact so knew he was top notch.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because of lung problem I will never be able to excercise enough to get the weight off with just diet alone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Have bounced basck and forth between RNY and band but decided on the band because my surgeon wasn't comfortable doing RNY on me because I have clotting issues. I'm sure I'll be happy with the band.

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?

Some concerns about complications but have total confidence in the surgeon and post-op care.

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?

Everyone has been very supportive. Have a strong church group of "prayer warriors".

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

I stayed 3 days because of clotting isssues. I was not very happy with the treatment I received because they were so short staffed. I wasn't able to walk like I should have and couldn't get anyone to answer my call light for as long as 1/2 hr. sometimes.

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

None at all-back to my usual self right away.

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 very good, no particular problems except gas and I expected that. Healed quickly and well. No anxiety really just excited.

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

A few days of discomfort from gas but not much else. Somewhat tired but tolerable.

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

Only 20 miles, no big deal.

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.

Had the usual liquids to puree the first few weeks. Have had one fill and so far can still eat most any kind of food just less of it. Stay away from doughy sticky types of food.

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

Normal.

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

Just an extra daily vitamin Centrum chewable.

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?

Didn't have any of these side effects.

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

The waiting for it to happen

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

There is an excellent support group at SWMC hospital and Dr. Dally's staff is always available for questions or help.

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

They used dermabond on me so the scars are minimal and healing nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.