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

Bariatric surgery for me was the answer to prayer. I had tried so many times to drop the weight myself and was unable. I never felt like this surgery was an easy way out. When I found out my Insurance covered this....I was ready, willing and able to do whatever it took to complete the requirements.

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

My hospital stay was short (only 2 nights). I brought something loose to wear on the ride home and basically used the gowns provided by the hospital. I didn't want to get my personal things all messed up. I did bring a few articles, like make-up and a hair dryer...but really didn't care what I looked like after the surgery. So, my suggestion is to bring as few things as possible...and something comfortable to wear on the ride home.

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

The only complication I have had is in January (4 months post-op) I developed an ulcer. It took a while for the problem to be identified, and I still take acid inhibitors twice a day.

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

From the time I received my surgery date until the day of the surgery, time went quickly. I only had a little over 4 weeks to complete all of the pre-op testing. I did have some anxiety, but this was something I was determined to do. I had been working for this day for 11 months.

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

The first few days home from the hospital were rough. I could not believe how weak I was, but as time went on...I got stronger and stronger. I was able to come back to work the fourth week part-time and then full time the following week.

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

From door to door, approximately 65 to 70 miles. My aftercare was no problem. It was easy to keep the appointments and they were scheduled to be convenient for me. I am still going to Temple for appointments and find the drive refreshing.

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.

Week 1 Nothing but broth and jello twice a day. 64 ounces of water. Week 2 1-egg with 1 piece of butter toast and the other meal consited of jello and broth. 64 ounces of water. Week 3 Soft proteins only twice daily. 64 ounces of water daily. Month 2 added soft vegetables...no rice, pasta or bread until at least 6 months out. Also no beef or pork for the first 6 months. Month 5 I can basically eat just about anything. I can eat somethings one day and the next day I am unable to tolerate them. Everyday is different for me. What works at lunch may not work for supper. I still only eat twice a day...Snacking is prohibited. I have just added fresh fruit as a dessert.

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

The first week I was lucky to walk 10-15 minutes. As time went on I built up to 1 hour a day. In January while the ulcer was brewing, I didn't do much exercise at all, but now I am building back up to my 45 min to an hour a day.

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

Multi-vitamins twice daily. Calcium 500mg twice daily. Vitamin B-12 sublingual 1,000mg twice weekly.

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?

The first problem I had was frothing. Still if I swallow too big of a piece I will froth. For the last month I have had hair loss and from what I understand this can continue for a while. For me the frothing is the worst part. As far as coping, I try to remember to chew, chew, chew.

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

The worst part for me was the ulcer and it not being detected quickly. I had severe abdominal pain off and on for 2 weeks.

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

Scott & White has a support group that meets twice monthly. We are hooked up via satellite to the Temple support group. I feel this has been very helpful as you get the chance to talk to people that are farther out and help the pre-ops with questions. I have only missed one meeting since before my surgery.

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

My scar is not bad. It is approximately 6 inches long and just between my rib cage. I actually expected worse. The nurses did tell me I had one of the better incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple since surgery. Mainly if I don't exercise or drink my water is when I plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, but I do receive a lot of compliments.