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

There was twin in the area where I lived, they both had surgery, I watched them for 3 years then, desided it was safe and ok. At first I was'nt sure if I could go thur that type of surgery. I am a scaredy Cat. I had a bad car accident in 1953 and was hospitalized for months at only 2 1/2 years old. So any form of Doctors, Nurses, Any proceedure, that I had no idea of was a fear factor. So I took the bate and had it done, I will never regreat it. I love my self smaller.

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

I never had much trouble with my insurance. But I have read from people and listen to their storys, I feel so bad for them. My advice, don't give up, one door closed, go to the next, till all doors are open...come on here, go to other site's and learn from others..

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

Exciting, overwhelming. Take someone with you, or tape the meeting. Ask if you can. I think 98% of us are so nervs that we don't hear everything, and forget to ask many questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of living this way. Just plain scared, of being fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time, I only knew of the one. Friends of mine had the surgery, and I met others in the area, so I went for it.

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?

Like anyone, dying. And thinking what will happin if????

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?

They went 100% with me, even with the second surgery. But they said they where more scared for me. Because of what they heard from so many diffrent surgery storys.

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

I did it in the summer, I have the summer off. So no problem there. My employer was happy for me, very supportive. second time around, was not sure why I was doing it again...But supportive..

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

First surgery was in Albian,MI wonderful hosptial. Was there 4 days, Your family....to bring. Its very long stay, and without them you are very homesick...And they bring much support...Nothing but your toothbrush, comb, etc Second Surgery was in Detroit. Not a happy place to be. Was there 4 days. Family was not comfortable, And not good care..Doctors yes, hospital staff,no..

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

Yes first surgery, got infection, had to go back within 2 months, had emergency surgery, reopen, and I was not in good shape. But was home in 3 days..also very much heartburn and pain, needed pepsid from that time on... no on second surgery..great..Just heartburn, or sickness if I drank the protein drink..

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

kelp busy..on both..First one did not have a computer.. Second one had a computer, and found this site, and many others with many nice people to help me keep cool.

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

Depends. First surgery, I was up and going right after. But then I was younger..1987. Second surgery, took me some time to get moving, and was tired alot. Think it could be old age..hehehehe

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

110 miles. 1 1/2 hour. on the first surgery. Over 3 hours on the second one. Only support groups, to far to go..

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.

First surgery, Milk, was a no no. any milk product. green was the word.. And sometimes I could eat things then the next would be sick off it. Liguids for the first 2 wks. then solid liguids for about 3 wks. then the pureed for a few more wks. I can eat anything now, except the protein drink, this will give me heartburn or I feel sick. I can eat protein bars, eat protein foods,

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

First surgery, walked, and busy,,the weight comes off and you have all this energy.

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

Centrum Chewable. 2 a day. B-12 shot, sence first surgery. Protein bars, and diffrent mixs.

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?

Hair loss, dumping with the milk products, from the first surgery. Hair loss the first 6 months on both surgerys. But it grow back and look good now. The dumping is not one you forget. This is a very weak feeling, sweet, and then you want to take a nap..Takes a lot out of you..On top of the vomiting or nausia that comes with it. I don't have it much with the micro-pouch. only 2 times now. with the protein drink..so we don't do them..

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

The last surgery, tubes, hated them..and the hosptial so far away from home.

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

I go to support group in Kalamazoo, good team there. Not from my surgen, but many diffrent types of surgery there. Talking to other that has went thew it. Helps.

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

Now that I have had the surgery twice. not bad, but more showing..

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went slow on this second surgery. long plateau in between. I will go about 3 wks or longer at the same weight, then bang 6lbs gone.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They say wow, you look good, or I can't believe how much you have lost..they always seem happy for me..