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

I read about it in a newspaper several years ago. I thought it would probably be the only thing that might help me. But it sounded scarry and I felt scarry or not I had to do it when I could.

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

Since I have the insurance I have it was a matter of finding the right person to talk to. That took two plus years and a wonderful woman who works for my doctor who would not give up. Thanks Tiffany

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

He reminded me of all the other surgeons I've seen. He was very through and answered all questions I had before I even asked. Make a list of questions you want answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I can't walk and my knees need to be replaced. I know at my weight that is stupid, I'd blow them out again. I can't do so many things that I want to do and I've prayed for an answer to do those things I see this as the only step I can take, I don't want to die young.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since my BMI is so high 63 there is really no choice I wanted the one that had the best record of succeeding. That's RNY and that's what my surgeon specializes in. High risk too.

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?

We made the choice to better our lives and this will be a better life. The only reason we might die is that it is our time to do so. I feel very strong about this and it will well be worth the pain and displeasure we might feel for a while.

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 has been very supportive. My brother even makes my plates of food at supper time since he does most of the cooking.

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

I can't work because of a back condition (deterioration of the spine lumbar and thorasic).

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

My stay in the hospital was very pleasant. The nurses and doctors at Harper are excellent. I was there from Tuesday, day of surgery to Thursday going home. One important thing to bring is a good book.

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

I had no pain relief from the spinal and the person who put it in tried 4 times before it went in and I had extreme pain 5 days later, I couldn't get out of bed for 3 days. He said he had a hard time because of the arthritis.

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 excited about finally getting a date. I read a lot to try to pass the time.

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

Don't expect to be able to dance the first couple of weeks. My binder was too big within 3 weeks but still wear it. Slowly you can do things you were'nt able to do before but follow your doctors orders. And the biggest thing to expect is to cry for joy.

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

I live in the surburbs of Detroit and that's where I went. The doctors office is farther then the Hospital.

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.

It is now 6 months post-op and the only things that upset my stomach that I know of is fried in grease things. I will throw up every time. It's flem type stuff that comes up but it sure doesn't feel too good so I avoid all fried things now.

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

I'm slowly coming back to life. I couldn't do any housework or even boil water before. I can do dishes and even cook a meal for my family now. I cry for joy at being able to do things now. I can even babysit my grandchildren now and know I can do it. The baby is 8 months old now and I can carry her, something I couldn't do 5 months ago before surgery.

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

Flintstone chewables and lots of protien powder. I was on 18 pills every morning and 10 every night and 2 injections daily of insulin before surgery. Now I take 3 pills daily and nothing for the diabetes.

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 really don't have a great problem now. Losing my hair was bad but my brother gave me Nioxin and now am growing hair where I haven't for quite a few years.

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

Having to eat more then I did before? I only ate once a day before.

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

It's actually less then I expected. It's getting lighter and I expect you will hardly see it in time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not losing weight for more then 2 weeks is a scarry feeling. I feel like I'm doing something wrong but then I talk to my doctor's nurse (she had the surgery a couple years ago) and I feel better. Like she keeps saying "at least you're not gaining and you are losing!!"