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

I found out about the surgery and my surgeon from my PCP.

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

I actually have been very lucky. My doctor kept meticulous records concerning my attempts to loose weight. So insurance approval was actually quite easy.

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

First visit with Dr. Mecenas was quite an emotional hayride. I had lots of questions and he took as much time as I needed to answer them all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be around to see My grand-daughter grow up. That decided it for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I actually asked my surgeon and took his advice.

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 tried not to think about this and just kept thinking positively.

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 friends and family have been supportive 100%. I am not at all embarassed to talk about my surgery and answer any and all questions.

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

I've actually missed a lot of school this year due to surgical complications. My school has been great about it( as long as I had, and I did, a great substitute to take my classes).

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

I was in the hospital four days. The nursing staff was WONDERFUL!!!!! The most important thing to bring..chapstick, and a pillow to put over your belly, under the seat belt for the ride home.

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

Yes, I have had two hernia surgeries and one exploratory surgery. Piece of cake. The worse complication has been delayed dumping. I have symptoms with everything I eat and now have to take medication with each meal...6 times 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?

I felt tired, but then it is major surgery.

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

You should expect to sleep alot. Food does not interest you. Be sure to drink a lot. Sleep when you want and just rest.

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

I traveled a hour away for my surgery.

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.

Since I had a stricture, I was actually on liquids and mushie foods for about 4 months. After that I could eat quite normally. I am a year out and still will not eat sugar, fats, or beef. My diet now is based on how not to dump.

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

I could walk , but I was very weak and tired.

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

I take Flintstones chewable vitamins. I have taken viactiv chews and also calcium chews. I still after a year do not do well swallowing pills.

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?

My dumping syndrome did not begin until 10 months after my surgery. I'm still dealing with that.

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

The first two weeks after the surgery. I had to sleep on my back with my head raised or in a chair. Not very comfortable.

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

We have support group meetings 2 to 3 times per month.

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

I actually have about 9 very small scars. We could connect the dots!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I 've had several plateaus. I just increase my protein and water and wait it out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes..its somewhat unnerving.