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

I had a friend who had it. I thought it was very extreme and not for me! Then I saw the weight come off and watched her blossom! Her personality became so sunny and I wanted that for me too!

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

I had no problems.

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

I was ashamed of my body and was very emotional. I was afraid he would say no to my surgery. It was a decision I did not make lightly and once I commited to this decision I did not want to be turned away. I did not pay as much attention as I should have because I was unable to look people I did not know in the eye.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to like myself. I wanted my son and family not to be ashamed of me. I saw the great results it had on my friend.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't I just got lucky and had a good doctor. I would have let anyone butcher me. I was not very informed about the kinds of surgery and maybe that is because at the time I did it on January 21, 1983 there weren't a lot of choices.

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 was afraid I could die. Any major surgery is risky. I made up my mind that I didn't care because if my life couldn't be different then I didn't want to live.

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 little sister Carol was supportive. My mother was worried and would rather I didn't do it. My husband was for it. My son was too young to care. I didn't tell many others so I didn't get many reactions. Generally, people thought it was an extreme thing to do.

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

I was not a working woman at the time.

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 fine. I don't remember a lot of it. I didn't like it when they took my bandages off. I thought my insides were going to fall out! I was in the hospital for five days. I didn't need anything but help when it was time to go. It was really hard to get up and down and I could not do it by myself. Be sure someone can help you for a few weeks!

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

Yes, I had plurasey, I know I did not spell that right. I called my doctor and he had me come in. He did an xray and then put me on antibiotics. I slept sitting up and healed quickly.

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

Thrilled!! I went out and went to a drive-up window fast food place and got four hamburgers, four large orders of fries and a diet coke to go. I went out and ate them all by myself because I knew I would not be able to do that ever again. I guess it was my farewell to binge eating. I was never afraid because I truly felt I would rather be dead than not have this surgery!

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

I was surprised how helpless I was. All the muscles in my stomach were cut and I could not sit down, lay down or get up without help. I was very sore. I was very thirsty and terrified to drink enough that I might hurt my stomach. I just wanted to drink water and I could care less if I ate at all. I should have had ice chips that would have helped. You cannot do this alone until your muscles heal. Make sure you have help.

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

One hour from home.

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 did not eat meat as it was hard to digest. I was very careful not to eat if my stomach hurt. Later I was able to eat fish or some chicken but I have never been able to tolerate meat to this day.

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

Low in the first three months. I was healing. Medium from the third month to the sixth month. I was building up the amount of walking and exercise I did. High from the sixth month to the current day. I love to be busy and active!

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

Regular multi vitamin

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 experienced hair loss after six months but that stopped when I added one boiled egg a day to my diet. I have heartburn quite often.

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

Needing help after surgery. I don't like having to depend on others.

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

None. I would like a group. I think this would be very helpful!

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

It is big but it has faded a lot and compared to the 150 pounds of fat I had it is beautiful!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None. I have 15 pounds that I put on and lose and put on and lose. I gain it in the Wisconsin winters we have when I am less active and lose it in the summers when I can get out again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am very tall for a woman so people always look at me but now I see a different look on their face. People respect my intelligence when before they didn't think I had a brain. My child is not embarassed to have me around. My mother liked me better before. She says she misses the old me. I still see myself as fat. I tried a dress on once and when I was asked if I liked it I said no....I wanted to look like that and pointed to myself in the mirror. I truly didn't know that was me.