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

TV. It is too radical for me. I should be able to lose weight.

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

I really did not have any insurance problems after, I dropped the HMO, Health Alliance. I have the state of Illinois Unicare and it went fairly smooth.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Stoner was great. He was so kind and understanding, and very informative. I could talk about anything, invite anyone to come with and he was concerned that I have the support of family and friends.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was in too much pain from the weight on the joints. I could barely get around. I could not let myself end up in a wheel chair.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Stoner presented all the types and after discussion and my situation, health, and age, we decided on the Rou n Y.

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 was somewhat fearful of dying, but my overall health was not too bad. I am not at the point to recommending this yet.

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 was concerned, but agreed that I had to do something. I had waited too long to just diet, since I had become so immobile.

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

My employer was supportive. I will be off work 6 weeks.

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

My stay was generally good. I was there 8 days. You really do not need to bring much of anything. I brought my own lotion, and other personal hygiene things.

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?

I was initially relieved. My one problem was that I ate like every meal was my last meal. I talked with my husband and friends about the anxiety. One day I was sure that I would die and the next, I knew that I would be ok.

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

My first few weeks, I have been very tired, but not much pain. I have a lot of trouble eating. I have a lot of trouble as I am somewhat nauseated and I have trouble keeping down what I do eat.

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

15 minutes

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 completed 1 month as of yesterday. I am discouraged with the eating. Somedays, I keep nothing down, and others, maybe one meal ( about 1 - 2 oz. if that). My milk intolerance is worse, so I bought lactaid, which has helped. But once I have eaten something, I may never want to see that food again. I cannot find any protein suppl drinks that I can tolerate. Again, nausea is a major factor. I do not have heart burn.

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

I have been up and active, to the store, going for rides, minor housework. I have no energy or stamina. I feel weak and shakey. The reason I do go out and do stuff, is that I hate to take naps.

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

Vitamins make me sick. My chiropractor gave me a protein supplement capsule and a nutrient capsule. So far, I have gotten them down most days.

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 am in the middle of the nausea, vomiting. I sleep ok and have not had any hair loss yet. It has been one month yesterday, since my surgery. I am not coping very well as I am very discouraged.

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

Not being able to eat, even small amounts without getting sick, has been the worse part for me.

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

We have a support group set up by Dr. Stoner, that meets once per month. I have only gone to one meeting. The next one is Dec 10/2001.

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

The scar is ugly, but not too bad. Yes, it is what I expected. I have 2 c-section scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are concerned that I eat enough, and are happy that I have lost 42 lbs in one month.