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

Met a pretty young lady at a meeting. She said she had the surgery. She looked beautiful, normal size.

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

Got a written copy from Human Resources at work. Easy to quaulify because I had been constantly trying and it was documented at in my medical records at my family MD's.

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

Heard surgeon was tough. Heard loosing weight to prove commitment worked with surgeon. So that is what I did.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

So other people that had sucess with it at work.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Gastric Banding

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 had faith and picked the procedure with least risk.

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?

Worried but supportive. I educated them with material I was given. Very supportive after surgery. Still had a problem with vacation with family. Food and no exercise. I discussed that I must exercise next visit and not gain 5 pounds again.

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

Completely supportive. Constantly asking how I am doing afterward. Response-"I am doing fantasic" Much more energy. Out of work minimum amount of time, right after 1st post op visit to surgeon

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I liked it. I think 2 hours sitting is way too long for my bladder and body. It is a little teadious. Enjoy hearing peoples stories. Not too fond of myself speaking in public. Large group, all seats taken. Peer pressure to do well in weight loss. I think it is embarassing when you are having a hard time. ( I am at a plateau, working so hard to get weight loss going again)

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

Fine. Out patient surgery. Needed a feminine product. They supplied it.

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

Constipation. Called and was told to get Milk of Magnesia and Stool softener. My husband got them for me, it worked.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Had a rough time right after with pain. Took my prescription medicine, It helped. I was worried. I called nurse at surgeons office a few times to ease my worries. I think I needed more support to figure out what was causing the pain. I did not know who to turn to with my questions. I found most support on the OH network of friends.

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

Followed the directions given to me. It was fine.

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

25 miles

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 was advised by nutritionist, did what they said, had no problems. No foods off limits. Peanut butter feels a little funny when I eat it sometimes. Don't eat tough meat, make sure I chew it real well. I don't want to eat anything that may cause a blockage. I don't want to damage my body.

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

I did exactly what they advised. I started exercising as soon as permitted at the free 3 months at Rehab Gym. It is wonderful and don't know what I will do when it ends yet.

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

Lot's of vitamins and supplements from my family MD. Vit b-12, Vit D, Multivits with Iron, Calcium, nutritional supplements as my MD supplies.

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?

"Gas" pains felt serious. Using Simethicone. Constipation felt serious, use stool softener and Laxitive when needed. Gas pains about a week. Constipation continues.

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

Recovery room nurse did not speak to me and I was worried because my heart rate was so slow. (I found out from a RN friend this was normal after surgery)

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

Twice a week sessions. Should attend one at least monthly. I have a hard time sitting for the 2 hours. It would be extremely important to do this. I need to try harder to attends

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

Big and red and hurts sometimes. One end of it scabbed and when MD removed scab, it left a indentation. I am putting wheat germ oil of it. I am told it looks good my MD and husband. I expected less of a scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Started at 267. I was at 218 prior to vacation. Gained 5 pounds and although I am doing liquids a lot and a lot of exercise, I am having trouble moving the scales down. My clothes fit good and loose, my body is shaping up well due to the exercise. I worry what I will do when my 3 month exercise rehab ends this month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They are all complementary. They are more friendly and wish me well at work.