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

My kidney doctor Dr.Albers told me about it and made an appointment for me with Dr.Alxander.

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 promble at all cigna approved it with in 2 weeks.

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

My meeting was very pleasant.I had a long list of question for Dr.Alxander and he answered them all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The need for a kidney.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice in the matter.Dr.Alxander prefers the rny and makes a 12"cut.

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?

First get a good doctor.Ask around.Get referals from other doctors.My biggest fear was that I would die,but here I am.My second one was the exit tube would clog up and I would have to have more surgey,but that didn't happen either.I did just what the doctor told me to and I did fine.

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?

I have a great family and friends.They have been beside me 110%they have been my cheering group.They comfort me when Iam down and cheer me on when things go great.A month ago i wouldn't have thought I would feel as great as I do.What a differnts a month makes.

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

I don't work.i can't because of my kidney promble.

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

I was in the hospital 4 days.I was at the Christ Hospital Cincinnati Ohio.I had the best nurses and care.A family member stayed with me each night.This was a great help.They encoureced me to get up and walk and move around.What to bring?I didn't need anything.I felt so bad I didn't need anything and if I did the nurses got it for me.

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

None at all.

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 so afraid.I heared so many story's.and was sure I would be that 1 out of 200 that didn't make it.I talked about the surgery all the time.My family and friends were so good they always knew the right things to say to me.

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

The frist week home I was so weak it was very hard for me to walk from the living room to the bedroom,but I did aleast 10 times a day to build my streagth up.The second week was better.I was still weak ,but felt like being with people and talking.I was so sick at my stomach all day and night,but I still had to eat.only 1 ounce at a time every hour.liquid protein.second week a little better.not as sick.mash potatoes and gravy that didn't even taste good.

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

I live in indiana and my hospital was in cincinnati.We traveled 1 hour one way.pillows helped and watching the bumps.I have friends that took me to my doctor visits.

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.

In the frist weeks it was only liquid protein and soup.Second and thrid week soft foods.After 6 weeks I could eat almost anything.and if I couldn't my stomach told me not too.I would have pain and get sick.It's been 11 weeks for me not.I can eat anything I want.I can get down about 1/2 to 1 cup of food 3 times a day.I eat 3 snacks a day too.Some thing you need to rember.Take it very slow put your fork down or talk or something.Just don't eat fast.and never,never eat and drink.

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

I did very little at frist. I was so weak I only wanted to watch tv and do nothing.I laid in bed alot the frist 2 weeks,but it was like a mircle the doctor said by the 6 week I would feel better.The day of the 6 week iam not kidding I felt great and still do.

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

Multi,folic acid,protien,tums,magnium,

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?

Nausia and vomiting was the worst.That lasted till the 9 week.I coped with it ,because I knew it wouldn't last forever

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

The pain and weakness,but it didn't last that long.

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

I have none.I just found this web page and I'am hoping for inter action with people that can shed light on questions I have.

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

My scar looks like franksteins monster.iam cut from under my breast to just above my belly button.The doctor said it would be a long one,but this looks bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

If you mean plateau by not losseing weight/I've hit one it's been 1 month since i've lose weight.I wonder if anyone else has gone that long?

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.I like people and I've always been treated nice by everyone.