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

I knew of the surgery years ago, but I did not weigh enough to have the surgery. then my doctor recommended the surgery and I was thrilled that finally I could have something done.

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

I had no trouble getting approved for the surgery. I think everyone should find a surgeon that using a team approach and has some one that files the insurance and helps to get the approval.

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

I attended a seminar given by my surgeon. He showed pictures gave case studies and explained the entire procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let the Dr decide which was best for my condition

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?

After the testing was complete I felt pretty confident that I would not die in surgery. I was afraid that I would not be able to handle not eating everything I wanted. I had great Drs that discussed the risks and what they would do to minimize the risks.

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 great. He spent the 5 days in the hospital with me. He slept overnight with me. Having him with me made me more relaxed and less worried. My mother and siblings were very supportive. Since the surgery they are still great.

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

I did not tell my employer what type of surgery I was having. I was out of work for 3 weeks. I could have gone back sooner but did not want too. I did tell one co worker at first and then after awhile I told anyone that asked how I was losing my weight.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 5 days. The first day was in ICU and what I remember was great. My husband stayed with me the entire time and helped to take care of me. I had a private room after the second day. My room mate did not have weight loss surgery. I wanted to talk with others that had the surgery.

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

The only complication was that my blood count was too low to go home on the 4th day. I went home on the 5th day.

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 saw a pyschologist for a few appointments and talk through my fears. She knew several people that had surgery and gave me great hope. She made me see that my fears were ok and that I was not the only one with fears.

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

My first weeks home were trying. I wanted to eat something more than clear liquids in week one. I was never hungry just bored with broth and jello. By week 2 I was becoming a liquid pro and remembered why I loved popsicles so much. I was tired and very cold at first.

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

The hospital was about 25 miles from my home and after care is about 10-15.

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 followed the 12 week recommended diet. I found that I could eat anything. I do have to eat slow and chew well. At first I was very careful what I tried. At 4 mos post op I tried all foods. I have been able to eat all foods. Bread, noodles and meat seem to be the hardest to get down. Lately I have found that cookies are quick and easy. However my weight loss has slowed down.

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

I did not do much right after surgery. I find that each week my activiy increased.

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

Iron pills, multivits and protein powder when I need it.

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 still get nausia and vomiting when I don't eat right. My hair loss was very great at 5 mos post op and lasted for a month. Adding protein to my diet help stop the hair loss

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

The upper g.i. after surgery. Drinking the liquid was bad.

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

The only aftercare support group is on Sat and I work on Sat. I really need to talk with others and I need to share stories. I feel that a support group is very important. I am hoping that I will now have that group through this web page.

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

The scar is from my breast bone to one inch above my belly button. It is just as I was told it would be. My six months it has turned white and is not as noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

6 months after surgery I stopped losing weight. I just lost 2 pounds in the 7th month. I just entered the 8th month and hope to see more weight come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. My pay more attention to me in a positive way.