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

Literature & research I found a surgean & had the surgery. That was in the early 80's and the surgery didn't work. Today I weigh over 400 lbs and want to try it again.

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

My insurance company turned my claim down and I sued them. I won the suit but no insurance company wants to cover me today.

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

I was given phone numbers of others who had had the surgery and the surgeon was positive & friendly. I didn't realize that these were biased - the surgeon's successes. This was in the early 1980's and my surgery didn't work. I should have investigated this surgeon through other resources instead of just his patients who gave him glowing reviews. He was a "Quack" and I am still fat.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

DESPERATION

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgery was 25 yrs ago - the surgeon made that decision.

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 had lost hope - except for the surgery, so I put my faith in God and my body on the table.

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?

I didn't want anyone to talk me out of it so I didn't tell anyone about the surgery until the last minute. No one was pleased with my decision. Everyone was very supportive after the surgery. I should have given my family, friends & DOCTORS an opportunity for research and input.

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

My Employer was very supportive. I think I was out of work 6 weeks, but this was 25 yrs ago.

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

Five days of hell in an archiac hospital that felt like a dungeon. BRING A SENSE OF HUMOR.

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

No complications except that the surgery DID NOT WORK. This was 25 yrs ago - I now weigh over 400 lbs!

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 felt positive & hopeful.

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

Loose BM's & some throwing up while learning what to eat and what to stay away from.

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

20 miles - I should not have gone to the nearest hospital - aftercare was hell due to inexperienced staff in this area.

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.

All foods made from corn made me sick and I am a grits & cornbread lover from the south. I seldom eat anything connected to corn. A bite of a good steak sometimes comes back up. I enjoy soft fruits.

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

I rested more and threw up a lot. It was a painful recovery but I was excited about the "new" life I was going to have.

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

None

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 vomiting was quick with little warning. Sometimes while driving a car, I couldn't even get it stopped before throwing up. Where ever I was,I would take note of the nearest bush or bathroom. Also, I kept clean clothes,especially shirts,handy. This lasted 3 years. I have always been an insomniac so I don't connect this to the surgery.

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

The pain the first day after surgery.

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

NONE

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

Real bad - scars from staple holes and the incision from my chest to my naval. I had no expectations.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not applicable - the surgery reversed itself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not applicable - the surgery reversed itself.