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

I first learned about it at the Mayo clinic when I was just seeking information. I went in with no intention of having the surgery, but after discussing options, drugs, etc. it became obvious to me that surgery was the only solution for me.

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

It was very easy for me so I really have no other advice than to be persistant.

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

I fist met with a Dr. at Mayo, and after learning about the incredibly long waiting list and the fact that at that time they only did the open procedure I changed to Dr. Kothari in La Crosse. He impressed me from the beginning, was kind, caring and professional and took the time to talk to me and answer any questions I had.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After my first visit with Dr. Kothari

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research

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?

It's natural to have those fears because we all know that complications are possible. I just kept focusing on my future, a new me and my belief that God was wathching over me and blessing my surgery and recovery.

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 family and friends have been very supportive of everything.

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

I don't work in the summer so it wasn't a problem.

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

I was there three days, and the nurses were great. Hospital stays are never fun, but overall it wasn't bad. I took a few personal things and a book and that was sufficient.

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

none

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 went through a whirlwind of emotions, from excited to fearful. I talked with friends and my therapist, and we did some hypnosis and relaxation exercises that really helped. My church family helped a lot as well, with prayers and encouragement.

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

I have only been home a week after my surgery and it is pretty much business as usual with a bit more sleep than usual. My mom helps with groceries and so on so I don't have to lift, but I have been going to a gym and working out lightly with no problems.

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

75 miles..no affect

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 have stuck pretty closely to the recommended diet and haven't had many problems, other than eggs.

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

I walk every day and go to Curves a few times a week

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

Tums EX, B12, iron

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?

The first week after surgery I had no problems. The beginning of the second week I developed nausea in the mornings but it seems to have subsided.

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

I think the recovery room was the most frightening for me. I felt like I couldn't breathe at first and being only half awake it all seemed pretty strange to me.

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

Gunderson has a once a month support group. I went to one last week and didn't find it particularly helpful.

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

too early to tell

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n/a

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no