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

My daughter had the surgery, At first it seemed difficult for her but now she says it has changed her life and she has lost 80lbs in 7 months

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

This has been a nightmare..But hang in there...The first letter to my insurrance carrier is in the mail.

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

We are having out frist meeting on Tuesday 1/25/00 but because he did my daughters surgery I already know him. He is wonderful and very sensitive to our special needs. I was approved for a consultation with Dr. Callery. My first appointment and he was busy at the Hospital and I meant with his nurse, Kelly. I would of like to meet with the Dr. But couldn't wait for him as I had to get back to work. I was sent for more preop tests and then he will write a letter to my insurrance company.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had tried 20 years earlier and because of insurrance I was never approved. Now 20 years later I won't give up!Surgery is scheduled for 5/5/00

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I would have whatever my surgeon felt was best...I have read about all of them. But hopefully hes the expert.

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 dont have any fears, I had a surgery before and my daughter has had several...I kind of know what to expect

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 family was supportive. Some of my friends said "I hear that you will change on the inside and not be the same anymore

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

They were supportive, I did not tell everyone at work what kind of surgery I was going to have. I was out for 1 month.

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 for three days. It waa Pomerado Hosp. and they were very knowledgeable about my surgery...I was kept pretty comfortable while in the Hospital.

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 am not a very patient person...I was soooo excited...I was not scared at all. I had very little anxiety.

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

I was not able to get conforatble in my bed and spent approximately 1 month in a reclining chair. I was nausiated after meals and wasn't hungry. I could not wear a bra for about a month. After a month things got better. I went shopping for a short trip within a week of getting home. I went back to work full time in a month also...

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

It was in the same town that I work in and live. about 5 miles..It was really nice that I didn't have to travel

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.

At first everything made me nausiated. Now at 3months I can eat everything. Sugar, dairy products, protiens, but I choose to eat mostly protien and try t eat healthy foods. I eat so little that I eat protien first, then veggies...I am trying to stay away from carbs. although I do eat fruit right now sometimes. I am not really interested in dairy products right now.

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

I am not very active...I have started to walk and want to increase my level of activity. but its been so hot...90 to 100.

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

I take a good multi vitamin, Iron, calcium, B12.

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?

Right after surgery for 1 month not being able to sleep in my bed and get confortable at night. 3 months -Nausia and burbing up bubbles after eating is now somewhat a problem for me. I am also just starting to loose some hair....

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

The first days in the hospital was pretty painful. But now it is getting used to the amount of food I can eat, to know when I am full before I get sick.

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

My Surgeon Dr. Callery has a support groups and I am a member of thinnertimes e-board and have developed friends in my area that had the surgery by Dr. Callery. We walk and call each other and post on e-boards.

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

It was a shock at first, but now only 3 months out it is lighter and has faded in areas. It is about 6" long and shrinks as I loose weight

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost weight slowly. As about 2 months out I hit my first plateu...I stayed the same for 3 weeks, I got very depressed and wanted to kill myself...I spoke to my Dr. and he explained that I needed to add exercise and more water and more protien...So did that and now I am down 46 lbs at 3 months. I am one of the slower looser in my support group, but Its o.k. with me...I know I will keep it off that way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband kind of ignores my weightloss, everyone else notices and compliments me.