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

Bariatric Surgery, I found out about it through different friends, people who had different types of this surgery, with very different results. The internet, is a wealth of information at ones fingertips. My initial impression was major surgery ahhhhhhh!!!! Off work for 2,4,6 weeks, how can I do this. I questioned myself about what would others think about the surgery????? Whould I hear horror stories????? I have come to the conclusion: I have lived this way for over 30 years (since I was in grade school) and I am willing to pay the price to become smaller. I am doing this for me, my health, with the support of those who love me.

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

As instructed I had all the inforamtion about all the diets that I had every been on over my life time. Diets from, over the counter pills, etc., different types of Dr's I had seen (my present physcian who had been monitoring my weightlose for over a year), prescription drugs, weight watchers, herbal diets, liquid dites. etc. to mention the ones off the top of my head.

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

The first meeting was to confirm that I was a candidate for the surgery, and whether I was able to receive LAP surgery (which I was). He asked if I had any questions, which he answered and then it was off to the class (many others attended) for WLS. Immediately followinng that class everyone submitted dates they were interested in. Days later I received a call confirming my surgery date.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After more than 6 months of researching WLS and talking to people who had the surgery. I decided it was for me. At different times in my life I had lost 60 plus pounds and gained back 65 plus ... and having joint aches and pains (while researching WLS - it was the beginning of taking "VIOXX", for pain). It was a decision to better the rest of my life, by getting the weight off for the relief of my bodys, joints, aches pains and boarder line high blood pressure.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass has been successfully used as one of many surgical treatments to achieve significant long term weight loss (71% mean excess weigh loss). By using a mini-invasive approach a big incision is spared, resulting in a faster recovery time with less pain and prompt ambulation .

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?

Truely I had to trust Jesus Christ that he would keep me and use the hands of the surgeons to do a good and it to result in a successful job.

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?

Family were very supportive (I only told my immediate family). They want success for me in whatever I do, so this was no different.

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

My employer/supervisor reaction to my decision? I didn't tell them exactly what I was having done. I called it "abdominal surgery". I couldn't call it gallbladder because I didn't have mine removed, plus Al Roker used that one the "Today Show". How long was I out of work? I was off work for 35 days (a little over a month).

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

My stay in the hospital was a good one. The staff there were very nice, helpful and supportive. I was hospitalized from Wednesday- Sunday morning (5 days). The most important things I brought w/me were; slippers, and a robe. Everything else the hospital supplied (toothbrush, paste, soaps etc.).

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

I did not have any complications from the surgery.

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

Weeks after I received my surgery date, I felt, over elated. I coped with any anxiety I felt? I posted questions on this group and othe r groups similar to this one that I am involved in. Reading posted messages were other good sources of information.

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

My first few weeks home from the hospital, were not hard at all, considering 2 years prior to this surgery I had abdominal surgery which was complicated, painful, and I was off work for 8 weeks. My first few weeks were not hard at all (I stayed w/friends). There was one section of my body that was very uncomfortable at times. When I questioned the surgeon, I was told it was where majority of the work was done from. I took liquid tylenol w/codine for a 2-3 days, but after that I just rested and slept a lot. What should people expect from this period? Time to allow your body to heal, understanding and remembering that it was major surgery they just had. More importantly listen to yoru doctors instructions, so you don't further complicate things in you life. I.E./ No lifting: less chance of getting a hernia......

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

I traveled around 15 miles for my surgery.

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.

Describing in detail what things I could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. I could eat anything, other than OATMEAL, my favorite breakfast, evening meal (rather than cooking). Beef and pork are too heavy for me, it is like a weight in my stomach, but I will try at a later time. What foods have been off limits? As stated before OATMEAL!!! My dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, I ate mashed potatoes, soup. After 4 week I was told by my surgeon to eat anything, not to eat pureed foods. I am now in the process of rebuilding what I am able to eat.

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

My actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery? Days after surgery while medicated, I slept, drank clear liquid and slept. Weeks after I slowly began to do more, finding I tire quickly, but remembering my body was still healing.

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

Vitamins taken since your surgery were Flintstone chewables, for the first week. The second week I purchased cherry flavored liquid vitamins. I take 1 oz./daily. (36 oz./$19.99) Liquid orange flavored Calcium Liquid Health (724)-349-0535

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?

Side effects (nausia, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) worse for me, only 1 month out and I have not had any, not expecting any.

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

The worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process, was waitin for the date to arrive.

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

Aftercare support group/program I have is Allegheny county weight loss group. It is helpful & important because when I went to the Doctors office I talked to people who were on the internet leaving messages, and I coudl then put faces w/ names.

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

My scar is little lines, applying cocoa butter should help that a lot. I do have one spot that is not as nice as the lines, it is where the drain tube was, it will be a wider scar (1/4 " rather than a simple line).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau experiences I had since surgery there are none!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At this point I have lost 26 + pounds, some people who don't know say, Oh you are looking good THe real test will be upon returning to work. But I don't expect much since they will go thru it with me. Hopefully seeing me daily it will not be a big issue. I will soon see!