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

I heard of this surgery from friends who have had the surgery. Also reading and researching the surgery before making my decision. I was scared at first. I was on a waiting list three years ago and chicken out, but decided to do it again in 2002 and it worked out for the best.

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

I didnot have any trouble with my insurance. Just remember if you have to do a history about your weight remember the dates, your beginning weight your ending weight,and how fast you gained it back. That's a very important step.

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

My first meeting,I was a little nervous.Dr. Macdonald was a little man but he didn't treat you like an outsider.He was very straight forward and let you know right there it would be risky.Don't be nervous!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just tired of being overweight and knew I had to do this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Yhe doctor made my decision because I had a hernia that had to repaired.So he did two surgeries in one.

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 that fear,everyone have that fear. Pray,pray,pray,put it in God's hand and he will take care of you.

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?

Some of my family members were against the surgery but that did not make me change my mind.I would not change a thing.I am so glad to have it done.Everyone supported me after my surgery.

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

My employer didn"t want me to have the surgery at first. But I take care of his wife and it got to the point it was harder to handle her because of my weight.After he saw my limitations he understood.I am still out of work because I am only 3 weeks post-opt.

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 excellent.I was there for 5 days. One extra day for snow and ice,I couldn't get out.They actually furnish everything you need but I carried my personal things like toothbrush.paste,deodorant,brush,acouple of gowns because they didn't have many extra large gowns.

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

Not any at all.

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 was very excited and nervous. I just didn't dwell on any bad thoughts about the surgery.

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

Well let me tell you.The first 9 days after surgery was the most pain I ever felt. But on the 9th day I started feeling so much better.Take your pain medicine before the pain get to bad and rest a whole lot. After that the days will be easier and you'll be moving around a lot better.

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

I traveled only about 25 miles.

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.

Since I am only 3 weeks post-opt I haven't added to much food right now. So far everything I have ate or drink I have kept down. So I am doing ok.

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

The first two weeks I was slow and just wanted to sleep. Now I feel so much better,but I am still slow walking but I do it.

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

I am taking 2 chewable children's vitamins with iron,1 chewable calcium.1 vitamin b-12.

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?

So far I have not had any problems,so I guess I am coping well.

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

Just being real sore and the 47 staples I had.

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

We do have a support group that meet on Thursday @4:00, but I haven't been able to attend yet. I think it very important to go so you can ask questions and hear from other people who have this done.

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

My scar is very long. From my breastbine to below my belly button. I knew it would be a long scar because I had two surgeries,so I am not upset.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not any yet. I three weeks I have lost 23 pounds!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.