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

I heard other peoplpe talk about it. I always thought it was an easy way out until I really started to research it. Then I wondered did I really want to do it.

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

I had other health problems and didnt really have a problem with getting my insurance to pay. All though I do have a large co-pay. But, I think in the long run will be worth it.

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

I was ready to get it done at this point. I felt very comfortable with the program I went through. The staff was very supportive. I suggest that you write your questions down.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I already at 57 had both knees replaced, hypertensive, a disk in my back slipped again. I was always fatigued and was showing signs of adult onset diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just decided that I wanted the gastric bypass, due to diabetes runs in the family and I wanted laporoscopy, so I could get back to work sooner.

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 had no fears, believe it or not. I trusted God to carry me through. I prayed about having the surgery and the way things all worked out it was supposed to happen. I had great confidence in my surgeon and the rest of the bariatric staff. I would tell people to have faith in God and their surgeon.

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 only chose a few very close friends of my decision and then when I was done to a few weeks before surgery I told some others. I told my mother the day before. I didnt need to have any negative remarks. I surrounded my self with people who would encourage me and give me the support I needed.

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

I really didnt tell them what kind of abdominal surgery I was having. But they said I no what I need to do for my health so do what I need to do. I will be out 4 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I thougth I was ready. But, when they talked about the opening of the pouch being the size of a straw I thought do I really want to do this. I was a little hesitant. But when I heard others talk about their experiences I quickly decided I wanted it and I was so glad I attended, alot of the people I had told was interested in what was going to be done.

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

The staff was very caring. I had an IV for 2 1/2 days. A foley catheter for one day. I had a pump into the IV for self administration of pain meds. I was in 2 1/2 days. I think the most important things to take was toiletries. I took books,etc., but, I slept most of the time.

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

The only problem I had was that I did have some vomiting the first day after surgery. But they gave me something to stop that.

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 like I should be loosing weight faster. The scale isnt moving fast enough. Although I am loosing inches. The anxiety wasnt to bad. I spent a lot of time sitting outside watching the birds and just enjoying the beautiful nature that God has given us.

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

I think the hardest thing was trying to get enough fluids and protien in and to remember to sip, sip, sip. I wanted to drink to fast and that caused a little dicomfort. As long as you take it slow things will go down. It was hard not to advance my diet as I wanted. Just remember there will be a day when you will be so happy to eat egg beaters and cottage cheese.

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

I had to travel about 50 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 am only in my 3rd week post. So I was pretty much the liqiud protien drinks, clear liquids, yogurt, diet jello. I then proceeded to egg beaters and cottage cheese. There are times when I dont feel good so I just go to chicken broth for alittle while.

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

I cant believe how out of shape I got from the surgery. I am now up to activity as tolerated. I am back to the gym on the tredmill and stationary bike, eliptical. No weights until 6 weeks out. I do have to push myself and I know that with time I will regain my strentgh.

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

I havent started them yet. I think that will be my next visit. Although they did put me on Zantac for 3 months.

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 do get some nausea if I drink to fast. I was never a good sleeper, so it is so nice to know that I am sleeping so much better now. No hair loss yet. I will deal with that when and if it happens.

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

The protien drinks in the hospital. YUK

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

Monthly support meetings.You can compare notes with others.

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

I have 7 little ones. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, I lost 10 # since surgery, but, I also lost inches. So I am a little frustrated because I think I should have lost more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I havent been back to work yet. We will see. I will have to updat ethis later