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

My uncle was told he was either going to die or have this surgery and loose the weight. I was closley follwoing in his footsteps. At first I was interested then I started researching. On some days I thought this is for me and other days I felt it wasn't right for me. It would depend on what type of articles I had read that day.

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

I talked with my insurance company and they sent me all the requirements for approval. They denied the first request becaused they said that they did not recieve a specific follow program and they couldn't determine if I could make the life style change required for the surgery. After an appeal with my doctor's office sendign them more information I was approved.

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

I stayed from Monday at 2:00pm until around 10:00 am on Thursday. Four hours after surgery I was up and walking a little. The hospital staff took very go care of me. The most important thing for me was mu small pillow to put over my stomach when doing breathing exercises and moving around.

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

It really wasn't a complication but they had a hard time finding a spot for the IV. They ended up putting it in the area of the soft tissue area right under the clavicle. When I was waking up the vein blew out and I wasn't getting the pain med. I was in a lot of pain, but they were all working very hard to get another one started. Once they did that and gave a me a good dose I was fine.

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

Anxious. There were still times when I wondered if I was making the right decision. I talked with people that had the surgery.

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

The first week was pretty docile. The second week I felt extremely tired and wanted to sleep a lot. About day 14 I started beginning to have energy in the morning then by mid afternoon I was tired. I understand this is natural. Your body is trying to adjust to the changes.

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

I had my surgery completed in my home town because after researching I felt they were the best. They are a certified Center of Excellence.

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.

After I left the hospital it was strictly full liquid. Cream soup with added protein and other fluids. The next week I had a follow up nutrition class at that time I could start adding pureed foods, but there were limits and restrictions. I stayed on that a few days then I went to soft foods like oatmeal, cream of wheat, soft vegetables. Day 18 I start on regular foods. Foods off limits are items with sugar, safet gummy bread, dried fruits, sees, skins, citrus fruit. No raw vegetables until post 12 weeks. No tough meats, no full beef or pork until post 12 weeks. No gum.

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

The first week was just getting up and down and walking around the house for at least 30 minutes a day and completing the exercised I was given. Week two more active, going into week three, walking outside, going to store, ect. Still get tired but not as bad as last week.

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

Multi vitamins two times a day. Calcium citrate plus three times a day. 1000 micrograms B12 a week. I usually drink a protein drink once a day that contains 40-50 grams of portein isolates.

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've had no side effects. I've had a little pressure feeling in my chest after eating soemthing new. Just wait it out and it goes away.

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

Getting mentally adjusted to the changes. Being tired with not so much energy.

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

The Center of Excellence has a great aftercare program. I have two RNs that I have their cell phone numbers and can reach them any time I need them. I had a follow with Dr. at week one and a follow up with nutritionist. Another follow up schedule two weeks later. Monthly support group.

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

I was fortunate and had laparoscopy. The scar are just very small areas. It is better than I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateaus at this point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not far enough along in the process for people to be be able to tell a big difference yet.