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

I first found out about it while doing medical research on the internet. I became interested and then contacted the only hospital in the area I would choose to see if it were done there. Through that website I found the doctor who did my surgery.

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

The doctor's office took care of dealing with the insurance company. Because of my diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol I had no problems and approval came through in less than a month. I really can't offer any advice. I've had the same insurance company but under different employers since 1974 and the same primary care physician since 1989. I am blessed!

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

It was beneficial as I had heard him speak at a seminar his practice conducts. I liked his style at that and called and set up an appointment with him. He explained the pros and cons of the surgery especially for me at age 60. I decided I wanted to go through with it and I then worked with his assistant. Be prepared to ask questions if you have them. He's willing to take time to explain anything you need to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was getting worse. I couldn't walk up the hill to get my mail without taking several breaks and I was tired of taking so much medication. Additionally, I have a 5 year old stepdaughter and I was having difficulty keeping up with her. Also, I saw a coat in Macys that I fell in love with and decided I had to lose 100 pounds in order to even consider buying one.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I made the decision at the seminar. The lap-band was too iffy so I decided to go for the "gold" and do not regret 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?

Perhaps because of my age and my other medical conditions I had no real fears. I knew my weight was killing me day by day and ecided the surgery was less risky than continuing the way I was.

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 husband didn't find out until a week before because I knew he wouldn't be supportive but my son and siblings were all supportive. Since the surgery my husband has come around especially since my 38 pound weight loss is visible and my medication has been reduced so drastically. Everyone has been very supportive since the surgery and even have juice on hand for me instead of soda.

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 surprised that I was going toi have the surgery but was very supportive. I had accumulated over 4 months of sick leave and took seven weeks off. I could have returned to work after three weeks but I wanted to be home for the holidays. Also, I suffer from anemia ---not related to the surgery--- and tire easily.So it gave me time to rest, shop, rest and celebrate.

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

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is more like a luxury hotel than a hospital. I had a tiny private room (by luck) but it was very noisy and bright. I continually closed the door but it was reopened. Needless to say, the stay was not restful. I had surgery late Monday afternoon and went home on Thursday afternoon. The hospiatl supplies everything you need from grooming items to arranging spa appointments if wanted. Just bring a good book and your glases if needed. TV is about $5 a day and so is the phone and the charges appear on your home phone bill.

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

None and I'm a day short of 8 weeks post-op.

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 felt happy. I knew I was about to do something to improve my health and my looks.I really had no anxiety about the surgery. I had met two sisters who both had it when I was at the Doctor's office and their reassurances calmed me.

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

The first few weeks were not bad. The worst part was the liquid and "mush" diets. Once that torture was over, life was uneventful.I was tired and my shoulder was sore from the position it was in during surgery but I was fine. It was hard not being able to drive ut my daughter-in-law styed with me and took me grocery shopping or did it for me. People should remember that you just had surgery and may be a bit tired or cranky. They should also remember not to bring gifts of cookies or candy.

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

It is a little over 8 miles from my home to the hospital. It played no role in my aftercare. My daughter-in-law drove me to my first check-up and my husband picked me up fro it. By the time I had my second check-up I was driving.

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 first week was liquids and Jello only. The second week included applesauce and pudding and non-clear liquids. I followed the diet given to me through week 4. Since then I have tried just about everything except salad and raw vegetables. I had an appointment with the nutritionist but it was cancelled. I have to reschedule it because I need advice. So far, nothing has disaggreed with me.

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

The first days after coming home from the hospital I mainly watched TV, slept and played computer games. One night I went grocery shopping with my daughter-in-law and was exhausted from a 30 minute adventure. By the first week post-op I felt amazingly good and was able to walk up the hill to get the mail.By the second week I was allowed to drive again and I began Christmas shopping. I visited my office a few times for a variety of reasosn and even attended the Christmas luncheon.

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

I take a daily multi-vitamin with iron. I took Caltrate but gave up as I didn't like the taste. I now take Viactiv and am having no problems with it.I would like to begin taking Vitamin E again but will wait until I ask the doctor when I see him again on 1/27.

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 experienced dumping threetimes since surgery and each episode was my own fault. I have trouble trying to pace myself when I eat. If I eat too fast the dumping occurs.Other than that I have had no problems. I am learning to take my time when eating.

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

The worst part was having to drink ENSURE the day prior to surgery. That is one horrible ordeal. The only other problem was the severe pain I had in my shoulder area due to the way it was laying during surgery.

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

My aftercare has been through the doctor's office. I will get more info on the support group when I again visit on 1/27.

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

What scar? The "marks" I have are smaller than those from my gallbladder removal. I was amazed at how small the "marks" are. The people at work were astounded when they saw them!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Can't answer this one at this time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have received very positive comments at work. People tell me I look thinner and tease me about getting a new wardrobe. I've had to give some clothes away as they were actually falling off and some shoes are now too wide. My husband is even trying to be more complimentary when he sees me in clothes I haven't worn in years. My step-daughter tells me I'm getting skinnier and will have to buy a new bathing suit for the pool.