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

My PCP had referred me and then I did research of my own to see if it was for me. The biggest draw back was the risk of clotting.

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

The office took care of it

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

It was very short and he then referred me for a barium swallow and I felt I could have had this prior to the first visit then he would have had all the information upon us meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The hope that with taking off a significant amount of weight then I would decrease my frequency if not eliminate the clotting problems

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?

ALOT...put your faith in the surgeon and pray alot

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 and kids were supportive but my mom was very against me even risking such a permanent procedure Post op they have all been very supportive in trying to keep my spirits up. They are just amaized at the sudden weight loss already

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

Initially I stayed for 7 days but I have had 2 readmissions and they were both 6 day stays. As my family says I only do 2 weeks at home and then go back for a break.

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

Strictures and I have had to have 2 endoscopies to have a balloon streatching done but I am also scheduled as an outpatient today for another one. Nausea and vomiting have been my biggest problem. I conitnue on clear liquids and can't even keep that down.

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

Be prepared to see food that you can not have and still maintain your household. Remember that you had the surgery not them.

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

45 minutes from my house

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.

I am still on clear liquids now

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

In the first 2 weeks I started my walking and even got up to 1-1 1/2 miles per day but then the strictures started and I haven't gotten back the strength to walk again...yet!

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

2 Flinstone vitamins per day 3 Tums per day (calcium)

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?

Nausea and Vomiting STILLLL

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

I guess the complication of the strictures. As I told my GI doctor I could have been anorexic without surgery....

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

Mainly friends and contact of others that have already processed post op of the same surgery

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

laprosopic 5 small scars across the upper area of my abdomin

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Mainly eating since I can't seem to get off clear liquids

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No they all seem to be very supportive with positive remarks and compliments Yes, some don't want to eat around me and this bothers me.