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

Thru OH. I knew this is what I had to do.

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

I had to get my family Dr. to deem it medically necessary. My insurance approved with two weeks.

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

I made my husband go with me. I forget to ask enough questions. Just ask all the questions you think of. Nothing is stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was playing coed softball. I overheard a guy from the fence ask our pitcher who was the MeeMee on the team. This really hurt, but that is what made my mind up I was going to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading about each surgery. I decided I had to go for the one most invasive to succeed.

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 have fears before any surgery. You just have to make up your mind and deal with whatever comes your way from then on.

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 have any trouble letting them know. My entire family was supportive.

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

I was out of work 3 or 4 weeks. My Employer did not ever say anything.

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

My Dr. made us stay 7 days. The nurses were teasing me by day 4. I was up walking the halls all hours of the day and night.

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

NO

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 stayed busy.

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

The first few weeks are hard. Drinking the protein drink got old. Just get your mind made up before the surgery that you have to do what your Dr. says and stick to it.

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

20 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.

I wasn't allowed any food for 6 weeks. I tried baby foods. I didn't like the taste. It was strictly liquid. When I was allowed to eat real food I learned to really chew the meats up. I now seem to have issues with milk. I can tolerate just about anything, but do get uncomfortable from time to time. Once I use the bathroom I'm fine.

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

Everyone around me can't believe the energy I now have. It is great.

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

I take One Source, Vitamin D, Vitamin b for 100 mg of thiamin, Calcium + D

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 had/have the dumping still. Some days I can eat something and it is fine. Other times I get the dumping. My hair loss was ok. I have so much hair it didn't really matter. I vomit if I eat to fast and the food gets stuck.

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

The first few weeks and the NG tube. I hate those things.

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

We had a support group in our town. Was ok. I now attend a support group from time to time in my new home town. It really helps. It reminds me of why I had the surgery. I see people post op and people getting ready for surgery and their stories are all similar. I believe at first you need to attend, now every once in a while is good as long as you have good support at home.

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

Good. My new scar from my intestine getting twisted was open surgery so that scar is worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had some after the first year, but I had already reached my goal. I still lost after that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Men actually opened doors for me at stores. People in general. That's just how this world works. Not necessarily nice, but I can't change it.