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

I questioned my internist about it after learning this past June that I had a small sliding hiatal hernia (which I thought could be a heart attack). My doctor didn't know anything about it but told me to check out Mt Sinai. Through the internet I found anything I needed to know about Mt Sinai and its bariatric surgery divsion. Also the publicity about Carnie Wilson sparked my interest. I felt it was the answer for me.

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

No problems with my insurance company

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

Informative but then I got all the reports off of the internet and researched it. My advice is to research, write down questions that you can bring with you to the surgeon. I didn't do it the first time but I did the second time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The hernia situation and not wanting to get anything else that I could avoid by losing weight. My dad had a triple heart bypass operation and is heavy and my mother has hypertension and has gotten heavier in her later years. I also had gestational diabetes with both my children and did not want to develop diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

With much reading of reports and speaking with people who had various procedures I decided on the BPD/DS.

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?

The risks of getting heavier far outweigh the risks of the surgery.

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 supportive before and supportive after. My brother is a surgeon and thoroughly checked out reports explaining the procedure and fully supported me to do it. It also helped that he explained this to my other family members.

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

I told my work people that I was doing this about 3 weeks before I went in and they were more supportive than I though they would be. I told him that I was doing this to help me live a better, healthier, and more productive and full life. It was a bit awkward as he is morbidly obese as well. I offered information about it if he wanted to look into it. I am returning to work on Jan 8th 2001 and have been out since the procedure Nov 27th 2000.

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

I brought more than I needed. I brought a 2 books but never read a page. I just couldn't concentrate on reading. I was in the hospital Mon (got out of recovery about 11PM) until Fri afternoon. Bring shampoo, toothpaste, a comb or brush, maybe some important phone numbers and clothes to go home in. Women should bring supplies who still get their periods as I was told to do so. Iwas told that the anesthesia brings on the period. I don't know if this is true but on the 3rd day there was my period and I was glad I was prepared for it. Of course the hospital carries such things but if you have specific likes bring them!

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

No none. Some nausea about the 4th week and Dr. prescribed something for it. Just used meds a week and then felt better. Also the first couple of nights after coming home from the hospital I couldn't sleep. I got a recliner but by the time it was delivered I was sleeping just fine in my bed!

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

Very nervous and almost wondering if I was going through with it. It was suggested I by a tape and matching book that prepares you for surgery. I got it but was too nervous to read it or listen to it!! I didn't know the procedure was reversible until a week before the surgery--I never asked. Once I learned that it was I felt calmer and decided in my mind that all would be fine.

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

Mt Sinai runs support groups once a month I have gone to a couple but it is a long trip for me and I don't like traveling in the dark--they are 6-8PM. When the weather gets warmer and the days stay light longer I will go to them. I enjoyed them and found them helpful. I met alot of nice people there.

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

There are 7 rather small incisions that were NOT stitched. I was done by LAP and I believe the scars were just glued together and steri-stripped. It has only been 6 weeks and they are still red but I have very little pain from those scars. It is better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet--only 6 weeks post-op.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Mostly now people are concerned because I had surgery. Its too early for any other reactions yet.