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

A friend of mine had it done about 8 yrs ago, he looked really good, but at that time I was not really ready for it. About a year ago his sister, mother, and wife had it done, they are doing so great, and feeling and looking so good that I decided I was being a fool for not doing it. I started researching the procedure myself, went to meet with their doctor first. I was very impressed with him. Dr. Samuels in Ft. Lauderdale, but the down side of it was that he only did the open procedure. I then came across your site after going to another doctors seminar (Dr. Marema) and a lady there gave me your web address.

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

My insurance was super, I have Human HMO of Florida. I needed a Psych report once that was in along with a history of my diets, the insurance componay gave the okay before 24 hrs.

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

Make sure you have done your research, have a list of questions to ask him, otherwise you will forget all that is important to you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The enormity of the task of going into another diet just about kill me with depression. I felt really bad, joint pains, became borderline diabetic, and my cholesterol was over 268.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the lap, due to the quicker recuperating time, and being able to go 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?

There is danger in just about any major surgery you have done. I was concerned, but in all practicality I was dead already, I never did anything unless I had to, never went anywhere, unless I had to, that was not the quality of life I wanted. What kept me going was the thought that if I died, then all my loved ones would know that I died trying to stay alive, otherwise I was consumed into a very slow death.

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 afraid of the risks that accompanied the surgery. After I showed them the facts I came accross from my researching WLS they became more open and supportive. They were very supportive after the surgery.

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

I was out of work for 2 weeks. My supervisor was very supportive. She was one of the greatest supports, she was there as a boss and most important as my friend throughout the whole process.

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

I went into the Hospital the same day of the surgery. Thursday, July 25, 2002. I went home on Saturday, July 27, 2002. The hospital stay was quite nice. The staff was very nice and attended to all my needs. I truly give Florida Medical Center and A+

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

None

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 had an anxiety attack about 3 days before my scheduled date. I almost thought about backing out. I cope with the fear by writing down what I was feeling.

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

It was actually not so bad. I was home alone, my husband went to work the follwing Monday after my surgery, I was driving a week after. I was able to fend for myself without any help.

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

The hospital was about 15 miles from my home. I did not have much trouble with the traveling. I just got tired easily.

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 I could only eat soft foods, puddings, yogurt, after a week I started with mashed potatoes, shaved turkey, by the third week I was having turkey meat balls, by the time I was a month out of surgery I was having oatmeal, chicken, lettuce, and all other soft foods. I never really got ill from any given food. I'm now 4 months out of surgery and am able to eat everything, I've had, lobster, steak, meatballs, lasagne.

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

At first I was quite sedentary. I started walking and joined a gym during my third month.

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

I take Centrum Chewable every morning and I take 2 Viactin calcium at night.

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 have not had any of the symtoms stated above. I have not lost any of my hair as of this date.

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

Ending my love affair with Food

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

I go to 2 support groups a month one with my own doctor,and I go with my friend to her support group with Dr. Tomasello's staff. I find them very informative. I actually like Dr. Tomasello's support group better than Dr. Carrasquilla's.

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

I have some redness still aroung my small scars, nothing that time won't take away I'm sure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I got through about a plateu a week. I lose a lb or 2 and then I don't lose for a few days, sometime up to 10 days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, men are paying a lot more attention to me. It does not phace me, I feel I'm the same person, if they did not like me before, I do not have to be any nicer to them now.