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

A friend had it years ago and lost a lot of weight. I was scared at first but the more I weighed the more depressedd I became and all the more desperate to find a solution.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have diabetes( adult onset) and my sugar counts were so high that my primary dr. threatened to put me on insulin. I also faced knee replacement surgery unless I lost weight. I was embarassed to travel as the seat belt extensions on planes isn't even comfortable.

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

The nurses were very uncooperative and I had to get to a sitting position by myself and walk myself to the bathroom. They would just watch me so soon I quit calling them. I figured if I fell, my family could sue the hospital. I had been at the same hospital for other surgeries before and always got very good care. But maybe they had an attitude problem about wls. I was there for 4 days and begged my Dr. to let me go home to my own bed. I would forget bringing your own nighties as the hosp. gowns cut down on your laundry once you get home. I would bring a couple of books that will help you feel better spiritually. If you have neck problems bring your own cervical pillow from home as they (the nurses) don't care how much your neck hurts. They just tell you to adjust the pain meds that drip into your arm. I was so relieved to get home and take a shower( with spouses support) after 4 days of self given bed baths.

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

No complications.

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 anxious and talked it over with my immediate family members because having their support and understanding is very important to your emotional well being. I prayed about my anxiety and knew that God was going to take care of me.

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 could not eat meat, bread, or pizza., or salad. Now, since I'm 1 1/2 yrs past surgery, I can tolerate a small amt of well cooked meat but must chew, chew, chew, and tried a salad by putting it in the blender. It was delicious. However still can't do raw veggies.

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

Very slow at first but now I have upped my walking and try to stretch more.

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

Hair and Nail Vitamins are a must, plus Flintstones Vit.,B-6, Iron

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?

Nausea/ vomiting were bad everytime I ate the wrong thing or ate too fast, or one bite too many. It sticks in your mind not to eat wrong/fast/ or too much because upchucking isn't fun!!!

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

There is no aftercare support group that I know of in Plano/Dallas area. My only support comes from the Internet groups I've joined. I think it is important because I had so litte info to go on as far as the after surgery dietary needs. My ins. co paid for me to consult a nutritionist as I also have diabetes II which has improved.Even she didn't understand the limits on my amounts I could eat at a time was small compared to what she expected me to eat.

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

It goes from under my breast bone to my belly button. It is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The staples sometimes bother me if I lay on my left side. I asked about it before surgery and researched everything as much as I could so I knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stopped loosing weight about 5 mo. ago....the scale is at a standstill as far as going down. My energy level has decreased because of the hot weather but I'm starting to walk more so hopefully I will see the scale move again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I think they look me in the eye instead of looking away in disgust. Co-workers have really noticed the difference because my size 24 pants fall off of me...my butt is practically non-existent as are hips and thighs much smaller/more muscley. My husband acts like he's rejuvenated and we've been married nearly 27 years!!!