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

My doctor began talking to me about the surgery about 3 years ago and I also researched the baractric surgery on the internet.I was leary of it and scared to be cut and such a drastic surgery and life change.

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

I was very lucky and had enough records from going to my doctor to try and control my weight my approval was rather easy. I would advise that while you are considering this surgery and doing your research to make sure you are going to your dr. and having them document all you are trying and the results. Have all the tests for sleep apnea and blood pressure even if you think yourfine because you may have it and not even know it.

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

It was wonderful. I had already attended a nutritional seminar that my surgeon requires and done alot of research so I already had a lot of my own information. He is very thorough and cares for his patients. He answered all my questions and never made me feel out of place or awkward. He never made me feel like a FAT person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be here when my kids graduate and have my grandchildren. I decided it was time for me to take care of me or no one else would.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that if I was going to do this I was going to go all the way not be able to back out at all. I wanted the surgery with the best results and in my opinion it is the rouxen-y.

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 more afriad of living fat then dying from trying to help myself and I still feel that way.

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 oldest daughter was totally against this because she was scared of my not making it through the surgery. The rest of my family supported my decision one hundred percent. After my surgery my daughter walks with me and enjoys the fact mom can be active and likes watching my progress and is the first to be right there with a high five after I get weighed. Everyone else is always right there to offer any support or compliments I need.

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

It was wonderful the nurses were very kind and understanding. The first times of going and walking are very hard and they were patient and understanding. Loose clothing is very important for going home.

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

I had some infection in my incision about 9 days out and it lasted only about 3 days or so of leaking. Dr. Keating had me come in and he checked it and told me to just let it drain and it was fine.

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 didnt have any anxiety I can remeber. I felt like a whole new person and began to see this was going to be a challenge I can win.

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

I began to walk more regular and to learn what I could and could not tolerate. I did alot of vomitting. But I was begining to have energy again and could see some weight coming off.

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

I went to Cedar Rapids, Ia which about 60-70 miles from my home. I still go to support groups once a month and see my surgeon when needed but I go to my family dr. to be weighted weekly.

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.

Bread and some stringy cheeses are still off limits along with most fruits and any sugar. I can eat most vegetables and some meat. I am just begining to be able to eat some redmeat again like groung hamburger. I have alays tolerated fish, eggs, yougurt, peanut butter, and cottage cheese. Each week I have tried to add something new and see and if it doesnt work I wait a couple weeks and try again. I t is my choice to not try bread again. It gets easier each week to find different things I can eat. My taste buds have changed drastically. things I used to love I dont any onger and things I never would of ate before I love.

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

I began walking right away when I returned home and started only one block at a time . Then each week I would add a block. I found a lto more energy at home just in every day activities.

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

I take the flinstone chewables and try to take protien either by supplements are by certain foods.

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?

Vomitting and dumping are horrible. I still have to becareful to watch the sugar contents of foods and the greasy foods will make me dump today. I still get the naseua after trying something new or if I drink to fast or eat to fast or over eat.

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

I go to the Mercy Hospital support group and it is wonderful. It helps to know that others are feeling and experencing the same things you are and its normal. It is a great way to learn new foods or ideas on how to help with other everday things. Like headaches and what other have tired and other areas like clothes as you thin out and dont need your size you can trade or give others ideas where to go.

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

It is about 6 inches long and is fading in color now. I expected worse then what it turely is.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had about 4 weeks where I only lost about 2 pounds a week and didnt change anything. I am now losing again but I have not yet gained any.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I dont feel like everyone is watching me or poking fun anymmore. I get a lot of respect from a lot of people who know what I have been through and respect.