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

I have heard about it for years but did not consider it until my health started to suffer. My first impression was that I could not go through the surgery. But I decided that I had nothing to lose. The surgery was not as bad as I thought. I had not ever had surgery before so I was worried but God had my hand before and during surgery so I knew everything would be OK.

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

I filled out the papers to be sent to the insurance company and I was approved the first time within 3 weeks time.

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

My first visit was a lot of questions that were answered great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the procedure that my surgeon did.

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?

At first I had a lot of fears. I prayed to God to take care of me. Believe it or not I was relieved because I knew that God would be holding my hand before, during and after surgery. Just thinking about that relieved my fears and I knew he was there.

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?

My husband was for it. He did not pressure me and told me to do what ever I felt I needed to do. My oldest daughter who is 29 years old was somewhat worried about the surgery. After surgery they have been very supportive.

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

I have been on disability for a while.

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

My hospital stay was real good. I was there for four days. I basically brought houseshoes, a couple of nightgowns since you are in there gowns most of the time, and underwear for later in your stay. Everything else was provided.

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?

God gave my the confidence I needed.

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

The first day home I was preparing my own meals since I could only have certain things. After getting home from the hospital the only problem I had was getting from a sitting position to a standing position. My diet changed dramatically. I wanted to visit the fast food places and go out to eat. I was not hungry but I still felt like I wanted to go. I would not have been able to eat these things even if I had went there. After a few days this mind game finally became easier to cope with. At first even water seemed to cramp my stomach, but things are easier now.

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

100 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 could not eat baked chicken, spaghetti, scrambled eggs. I hope as time goes by that I can eat these things.

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

Within four days home I went to garage sales looking for smaller clothes. I feel very active now even though I have a lot to lose yet.

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

One a day vitamin and Calcium. I also use Carnation Instant Breakfast at least twice a day.

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?

Nausea

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

After surgery I asked myself "what have I done to myself?" But each day got a lot better.

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

none

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

My scar looks real good. It looks even better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too soon

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes