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

My PCP told me about it while I was trying to lose on my own, and having NO hope.

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

I have Medicare and Medicad, so I had alot to wait for Center of Excellance, 6 months of PCP watching my weight, and doctors recomendations. After all of that it only took about 1 week.

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

I loved my surgeon right away, the whole clinic at Madison, Wi UW Health is great and they are always glad to see you. I made a list of questions to take with me.(write down the answers!!)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to feel better.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would only cover Gastric Bypass.

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 scared of leaving my children, they were 15 & 11 and they were very worried also. I found out through OH boards that everyone has fears it's perfectly normal.

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 whole family was supportive, the only one I really had to convince was my 15 yr old son he was afraid I was going to die. Now that I have lost alot of weight and can do things with him he is greatful to my surgeon.

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

I didn't work out of my home, But I had to have help for about 1 1/2 months.

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

I hated my hospital stay, the hospital staff sucked, they never let my family know I was having problems with my oxygen level and they waited for 6 hours in the waiting room, I never was offered a bath, a walk(which you are suppose to do ASAP), Help to the bathroom, I was given pain pills and the other patient in my room was given liquid, my husband finally complained and I got liquid. It was bad. Thank goodness I only had to stay 2 1/2 days. Bring something loose to wear home (Ladies wear a night gown home) and a pillow for the ride home the bumps suck.

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

I had alot of problems but none of them were directly associated with the surgery, I got Cellulitis, Had problems with my Thiroid which had to be removed, Hernia, ulcer, headaches... the only one that was really caused by the surgery itself was the Thyroid it's very common.

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

My feelings were excited, scared, frusterated, impatiant, hungery. Used my family and friends to remind me of how I was going to feel when I was smaller.

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

I slept alot. I had alot of pain, because of the Cellulitis. I had never hadany big surgery so I was not prepared for the pain level. It will hurt to move, but you have to tough it out.

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

I only had to travel abot a half of an hour away from my house, and the Dr office is even closer.

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 had problems eating just about everything at first also getting in enough. I still can't eat any sweetener, or dairy products without getting an upset stomache. As time went by I could eat more of a variety. You just have to try small amouts of new things to see if your pouch is going to except it.

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

At first I had very little ambition to move but as time went on I gained more and more. I can now walk for about 1 hour straight.

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

You name it I have or am taking it. flintstone vits calcium b-12 b complex lactose intolerance pills Vit d tablets a day folic acid tums for extra calcium protien shakes

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 all of those problems , you just learn to be patient and it will pass. I am a year and a half out and still have problems from time to time.

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

Waiting!!

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

I seen the clinic staff all the doctors and surgeon, did physical theropy, and got a membership at a health facility. Everything in my aftercare was sooooo important to my progress and would not be where I am without it.

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

I have 6 very small scars, I was expecting them to be larger.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit my first one and am having problems getting over this hump, but I know I will.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they treat me better now that I can fit in better to the worlds view of how you are suppose to look. I have went into places I went when I was big and they are totally different.