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

I had several friends who had bariatric surgery. Initially I was skeptical about it and worried it would ruin your health

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

My insurance company pays for bariatric surgery if you are obese with co-morbidities or are morbidly obese with no co-morbidity.

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

I initially went to an information seminar put on by my surgeon and my hospital. When I went to his office for a consultation appt. He spent 45 minutes with me at that appt. I came with a list of questions written down. I was deciding between lap band and VSG.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 50 without any significant health problems except heartburn and foot pain but I knew with aging and obesity my health problems would manifest.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Researching and reading. I also talked to at least 5 people who had had each surgery.

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 only had general anesthesia as a child and no surgery since age 9. I was worried about the surgery and anesthesia, but I decided it took as much energy to imagine yourself doing well as it did to imagine poorly and after that I did not allow myself to fantisize about doing poorly.

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?

Initially my family and friends were worried about unforseen risks and bad outcomes, As I became more educated I was able to address it with them in a factual manner. Eventually my family and friends were supportive.

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

My supervisor was thrilled for me! (We are friends) My surgeon said 4-6 weeks off. I came back with surgeon's approval at 23 days feeling great.

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

Very informative. He was incredibly honest and unhurried. also since I work at the hospital I had my surgery at we got info on an employee pre -bariatric program that was required prior to having surgery.

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

My surgery was on Monday morning and I left Wednesday afternoon, which is what my Dr had told me to expect. I wore their gowns at the hospital . They did have adequately large gowns that covered everything. I would say you need house shoes with a nonslip sole, toiletries, a phone list for your support person to call your significant others with after you are out of surgery and your cell phone. Also a comfortable loose fitting outfit to go home in.

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?

Days 1-3 were rough, after that I felt better by the day. My energy was great and felt I could have returned to work at 2 weeks. I was not anxious at all and soooo happy to have the surgery behind me and to be back at home.

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

The first 2 weeks getting adequate liquids in is a full time job. I was a bit sore but only took pain meds 3x at home and nausea med x1. After that I felt good enough to go for short walks(1/2 mile) and actually got a bit restless with inactivity

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

20 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.

2 weeks prior to surgery was liquid diet consisting of protein shakes and sugar free jello, popsicles and crystal light. I was hungry at meal times but overall felt full enough to survive. My energy was fine. Of coarse I missed regular food but I wanted my surgery to go well and wanted to lose some weight prior to surgery. The first 3 days post-op was a clear liquid sugar free diet. Day 4 through 2 weeks post-op was full liquids. Day 15 through 4 weeks post-op was pureed diet and 4 to 6 weeks soft diet. The clear and full liquids really lacked variety, but I wasn't very hungry 1st 2 weeks post-op.

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

Lots of walking. I was driving by day 5. Could do regular household chores. Vacuumed on day 6 or 7. I felt better by the day. First week post-op I took a daily nap or two and by second week maybe a 15-30 minute catnap.

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

Chewable Centrum since two weeks post-op. Beginning week 4, Calcium 600mg twice daily and Vit D3 1000 mg daily and 1 B complex daily.

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 had mild nausea days 1-4 that was controlled with medication. My main post-op fear was vomiting and I asked at the hospital to be medicated around the clock as often as I could have it for nausea, I have never thrown up since surgery. I had a HORRIBLE taste in my mouth the first 4 days post-op. (brushing didn't help) I had bad breath for at least a week post op and also pre-op on the liquid diet. I have not lost hair yet but I understand it usually starts about 3-4 months post-op and I am not there yet.

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

The bowel prep the day before surgery and the swallow test the first day post-op.

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

I have friends who have had the surgery in the past. I attend a monthly bariatric support meeting at my hospital.

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

I have 5 tiny laproscopic incisions that have healed well and are barely noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only a month out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no