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

I found out about this surgery through a television special (Dr. Kline-Washington University Weight Management). My intitial impression was that the surgery sounded like a miracle. I considered it for a moment, but I became overwhelmed with the thoughts of my other health concerns. I felt helpless. I discussed this option with my doctor and my family. They were totally against it! The doctor let me know that their were many successes, but he was not shy to tell me the risks of this surgery. I was confused and scared, so I decided to do my homework! I looked up a surgeon on the internet. That is where I met Dr. Eagon. Through my research, I found out that he is certified and had an awesome reptuation. The next step was visit to Dr. Eagen's support group-(Barnes Jewish Hospital) with my family. We were all amazed at all the successful stories this group and the low rate of complications. I was ready to take the next step. It was a great feeling to know that I had my family and new friends supporting and praying for me through my journey.

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

My experience was smooth. I was excepted right away because of my back problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. There was no question that my body was out of control. My advice to you, would be to apply and keep re-applying. That's the best you can do!

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

My first visit was a success. I felt that Dr. Eagen really knew his stuff. He was very professional. He discussed the successes and the risk involved with this surgery. He was 100% straight forward with me. My advice to you would be to write down any questions you might have (I felt like I couldn't rememeber everything I wanted to ask).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Through a lot of thought and prayer I knew I had to do this. There wasn't a doubt in my mind. I realized all of the risk, but none of these risks amounted to the risks that I lived with every single day. Without this surgery, I knew I was going to live a short life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Eagen told me which surgery would be in the best interest for me. He told me that the "Roux-en-Y" laparoscopic Gastric surgery would be the most successful in my particular case, according to my body mass.

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?

Through prayers, I had a long heart-felt talk with my family. We laughed and we cried, but we all knew it was for the best. I didn't have to convinced them that I needed this surgery. My life was a living death trap. We discussed the fear of death. I asked them if they would be mad a me if I did pass on during the surgery. It was important for me to discuss this with my family. The support that I recieved from my family is something that I will never be able to put in words (My cup runeth over!) My family told me that they were behind me and that they realized that I was going to die anyway if I kept living the life I was living with my health problems.

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 immediate family was very supportive. However, as I started losing weight I experience a lot of negativity from my friends. Ninty-three pounds later, some of them will not even acknowledge me in the store. That really hurt me, but I realized that they were not my friends.

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

N/A

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

My hosptial stay at Barnes Jewish was a success. I stayed their for three days. They really pushed me to get up and walk the halls. It was painful, but I realize the benefits now! Bring your house-shoes

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

I didn't have complications from the surgery. However, I had complications from the "Jackson-Pratt" Wound Suction Devise. The tube became infected because of my diabetes. It was a long recovery, but it did heal with the help of antibotics and Home Care Nurse.

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 was in a lot of pain from the "Jackson Pratt" the first few months. Food was not the issue. I had to make myself eat for a super recovery.

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

Tired. The home-care nurse helped me out a lot. It was nice to have them visiting me to answer my questions. However, not everyone gets this service. I recieved mine because of my infection as listed above.

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

I only had a twenty minute trip. I had no problems.

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.

The dietician gives you a step by step plan. Follow this pain like the bible. MAKE SURE TO TAKE YOUR VITAMINS AND EAT YOUR PROTEIN!

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

Minimiumal. Like any surgery you have to take it one day at a time.

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

Vitamin: B12, Iron, and Calcium. I faithfully take these everyday. They are very important!

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?

Nausia- I had to experiment with different foods. I quickly found out the foods that I could and couldn't eat. No sugar. Hair-Loss- I lost 50% of my hair after 3-6 months post-surgery. It started growing back after 6 months and finally came back 100% 1 year post-op.

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

Finding which foods I could and couldn't eat.

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

I continued going Dr. Eagen's support group. It was very helpful. Some people had the surgery the exact same day as my surgery. The support was outstanding.

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

I didn't have a big scare with the laproscopic surgery. I was impressed. I have 5 (1/2) scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau at about 9 months. It is very hard. I lost 93 lbs. I am walking and working hard each day to lose more weight on my own.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At 190 pounds people are commenting to me that I am too skinny! I am really tired of hearing it. I know that I could easily lose twenty more lbs. to feel at my prime.