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

I found out about the surgery a long time ago and I did not think it was a good idea, when I noticed other women having it done, I finally realized that it would be the best thing for me. I was very concerned about the pain I would be in, plus all the other symtoms that could occur, but I put it all in the hands of the Lord and prayed. God is Good-all the time.

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 with insurance because I had several other things going on like sleep apnea, hypertension, depression, reflux disease and joint pain.

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

My first visit with Dr. Gandsas was exciting and scary. I did not know what to expect. As the meeting went on I felt confident in Dr. Gandsas because of his professionalism and knowledge he shared. I took the process seriously.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Failure to loose the weight on my own. I also saw what the operation did for others. A couple of women on my job had the surgery and they were completely satisfied and happy with their new bodies. They seemed to glow.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, I did not think that the lapband procedure was an option for me because of my weight and medical problems. I focused on bypass surgery.

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 did think about complications and dying, but I put my faith in God and I gave HIM that fear. I realized that if I did not have the surgery that I could have constantly been in danger, especially from the sleep apnea.

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

I stayed in the hospital overnite, a little over 24 hours. I brought a rosery with me. My son dropped me off around 6am that Friday morning and he picked me up around 7pm the next evening. I quess I can say I took the Lord in with me. I did not need any thing else. It is not good to bring alot of stuff with you because there is no place safe to put them.

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

I did fine, but Dr. Gandsas had a time of it with my adhesions from a previous surgery. Dr. Gandsas did a great job and I responded well.

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 felt great, but I think some of my family members felt a little anxious. They kept asking me if this was what I really wanted and I told them yes, of course. It took me two years to get to that point. I felt fine.

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

My first few weeks were ok, I was in pain for about 3 days and after that I was adjusting pretty good. Family members were helpful and handy. This period, to me, was like a big exhale, a big relief for me because I finally did it, I survived and now I can go on to part three of the process of losing weight. Part I was the preparation, part II was the surgery, and part III following through and doing the right thing. Part III is a long part. Part IV (for me) is when I reach my goal and Part V will be the longest part ever and that is to maintain for life. Those three weeks for me was a time of reflection and of course recooperation.

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

Not far. About ten minutes away.

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.

The first three days-10 calories or less liquids. Next 11 days-protein shakes every 4 hours Next 2 weeks - small portions of mashed protein Four meals a day of protein-size of a half deck of cards No sodas, did not use a straw. Followed the vitamin and meal schedule -which I follow today. Avoid rice, pasta and untoasted bread, noodles. As of November 06, only 2 servings of starch. Eat the protein first. During the 2nd and 3rd month, I had to watch the amount of food I was eatting because it would come back up. Now, I do not eat sugar or sweets. No sodas. If I eat a starch, its a 1/2 cup and I try not to eat more than 2 servings. I always eat my meats first , then veggies, mostly salads and last a starch. Dessert size servings can be hard to stick to, but my stomach lets me know when enough is enough. I donot like feeling miserable. I drink crystal lite or wylers. My son is dieting also. I bake all meats/no frying. I also use the wheys protein powder in soups, sugar free puddins and shakes. I still separate eating and drinking. I constantly read lables to keep down the sugar and up the protein levels.

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

My activity level elevated. I don't need my blood pressure pills, either. My breathing is better during walks and exercising.

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

Bariatric Advantage Multi formula chew tropical Iron Passion Fruit B-12 sublingual berry flavor and Citracal calcium citrate

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 had two cases of dumping. I drinked liquids the next day to settle my stomach. Hair loss-increased my proteins. My hair is still coming out, but no bald spots (never).

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

It was a learning experience and I am still learning. The worst part was the lack of understanding that my husband showed because he throught I was going to drop all pounds at once. Worst (for him) not me because I know better.

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

Post surgical coworkers and my sons help me alot. It helps me to stay focused on my eating habits.

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

My scars healed like keloids but very small. It's better than I thought. I noticed that my skin (as a whole) has gotten better. My complexion is clearer and smoother.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at a plateau right now and I know I need to go back to exercising again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel great when someone tells me I am loosing weight, especially when they have not seen me for a while. They are the ones I believe.