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

The very first time I heard about it was an article in the paper and I thought I would never do that. Too risky

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

My doctor wrote a very good letter. It didn't sound like it was me......but I guess it was. I don't remember any specifics but it seems like it took a month or two to be approved.

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

Ask Ask Ask questions. Get to know him/her. I met him with a group at a seminar that each person was required to attend before they would be considered for the surgery it was free.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that I was getting to where I couldn't get around easily and being tired of being tired and wanting to watch my kids grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The VBG was the only procedure this doctor offered and I had friends who successfully had this surgery by this doctor.

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 just thought ok, I could die having surgery but I would die soon from morbid obesity anyway. my husband and I thought the risk was worth it.

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?

They were very leary at first but my family and friends knew I was researching this very diligently and they trusted my decision. They all were very supportive after surgery!

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

I was out of work 1 week. (I have a desk job) My employer was a new one and did not know the details of my surgery.

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

I was in the hospital a couple of days. When I first woke up from surgery I thought I was dying. BUT each minute that passed, I felt better.

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 nervous about the surgery but Prayed, and talked to my husband and family. I ate a lot too.

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

I went back to my desk job in 1 week. I did not dwell on the surgery. I followed my docs orders to a tee. Did not want to mess up after all this surgery and time. I felt depressed at times because I was not able to eat like the rest of the world. My family ordered pizza once and i licked the sauce off of it.

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

only a few 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.

at first it was 3wks of liquids, then 3 weeks of purreed foods. The first six weeks was easy I was still very aware of my surgery and what I needed to do to follow docs orders. As time went on(over the next year) It was difficult figuring out what I could andd couldn't eat sometimes. I still feel like I can not eat any meat except fish. I have to eat three meals a day. I could sit down (like at work) and slowly slowly eat all day. I know this is a mistake. I try very hard to eat in 20 - 30 minuts so I don't take in too many calories. AND not eat ice cream or chips.

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

I would park farther awaay from my office when i went back to work but basically did not really start a dedicated exercise program until recently (2yrs postop) Another mistake.

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

None, tried iron because I was slightly anemic (always have been) but causes constipation in me. Try to eat high iron foods.

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 had VBG None of these side effects occured. I have constipation, but i never have drank enough fluids. And if i eat too fast, take too big of a bite or not chew food very well, I get a "STUCK" feeling which is painful. I would either Throw it up or just let it go away by itself if not too painful.

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

There was a support group formed by patients of my doctor. I went to the meetings and it was great getting to know others and compare notes They always talked about low fat, low sugar recipes and other things that come up. Doc has retired and so has the group. I hadn't gone in a long time but I think I would go if the option was still there.

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

After 2 1/2 years scar is very tiny and well faded. He uses sutures like the cosmetic surgeon would for minimal scarring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I rarely weighed so really can not pinpoint any plateau's. I wish I could loose 40 more lbs. for my ideal weight. Actually I have gained 10 lbs over the last year and it is scary but I have notgained in the last 6 months, And I honestly feel better over the last year than that initial 100 lbs that literally fell off of me the first 6 mos. I have a BUNCH of loose skin on my arms, thighs and of course stomach that I think if removed would weigh approx. 30 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not my friends, but maybe, maybe strangers. I am not really sure of this.