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

I found out about the surgery on T.V. I was watching the T.V. and saw a comercial about the bariatris surgery.

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

When I asked the doctors to do this surgery. I was told it could not be done on people who are on MEDICARE, Because MEDICARE does not pay a lot for this type of surgery. I begged to doctors to do this. I HAVE NEVER BEGGED FOR ANYTHING IN MY LIFE. BUT THIS WAS MY LIFE WE WERE TALKING ABOUT. MEDICARE is not the greatest Insurance but they saved my life.

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

I was very nervous. I thought she would look at me and say "YOU ARE TOO MUCH OF A RISK, SORRY!" Try another diet. But I was quickly put to ease. I was very impressed of DR.ROSEMARIE JONES. She is open and honest. She made sure that I was well informed and put to ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that if I did'nt do something I was going to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let Dr. Jones decide, she is more informed as to witch is the best to be done at the time.

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 was afraid of dying on the operating table, because of all the health problems that I had, But I was quickly put to ease.

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 the only one who knew I was having the surgery. He was very supportive and he stood by me thru everthing.

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 very pleasant. I guess thats the word I would use for some one who Just had major surgery. The nurses were very kind and understanding. I was in the hospital for a total of 6 days. The most important thing to bring with you to the hospital is a postive attitude and an open mind.

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

The only complications that I suffered after my surgery was that At first I had the stilastic Ring Gastroplasty done, then about a year later I had to go and have the RNY done because I suffered almost every day with heartburn. Which eventually lead to ulcers.

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 kinda nervous but I have a very strong will to live. Knowing that my life was taking a new turn was exciting.

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

When I first arrived home, I was sore but not to the point that I could'nt get up and move around. Thats The most important thing is to "GET UP AND MOVE AROUND"!! You must move. It helps getting the pain or the sorness out of your body. You will be tired and not hungry. I got to the point I had to set an alarm clock to remind me to eat. I was almost never hungry.

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

I had to travel about 45 miles. This was not a far way to travel.

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.

The most problem I had with food was meat any type wether it be pork,beef,chicken,fish. I was unable to tolerate any of those for the longest time. I am now 4 years post op, and I am still unable to eat beef or pork. It does'nt matter how I fix it I still can not tolerate them. I am able now to eat chicken and fish. I don't really miss any of the other meats. I would rather give up meat to live than to eat meat and not have to lose weight in the process.

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

After surgery I was almost always tired. But I made myself get up and walk around. This was very hard for me since I suffer with a muscle disease that leaves me in pain from the time I get up in the morning till the time I go to bed at night. But I made myself get up and go. I'M not saying it was easy because it was'nt. But I did'nt go thru all of this for nothing.

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

I have to take CENTRUM COMPLETE, AND AN IRON SUPPLEMENT.

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 lost some of my hair for a short time because I was unable to eat meat, but I found a way around that. I ate peanutbutter crackers. Some home made some store bought. I learned right away to stick to my diet. I tried one time to eat a piece of chocolate. WRONG MOVE!!!!!!!!Talk about having to run I almost did'nt make it to the restroom. I did find out that if you need something for constipation "EAT A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE"!!!!

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

I really do'nt have a worst part about having my surgery done.

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

I usually go to the support groups at the hospital that done my surgery. There are people there who are 2 years post op and longer. You are able to ask them questions and have some one who has been there and who is understanding. There were other topics being discussed at times such as "spouses roles". They were very informative.

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

I have a 7 in scar on my abd. I doesn't bother me at all. My stomach looks like a road map anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had at least 4 plateaus, To make this not a problem anymore I had to increase my activity.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My stepchildren are very affectionate to me know. AT one point my STEPDAUGHTER CAME UP AND HUGGED ME AND SAID "MOM I CAN HUG YOU ALL THE WAY AROUND NOW"!!!! All Icould do was laugh and cry at the same time.