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

I found out about it 12 years ago. Took me 10 years to decide to have it. Had a VBG and everything that could have went wrong Did! Took me 3-5 months to fight to try and get a revision. After 1 denial, I finally got approved.Took 2 weeks to overturn.

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

If you get denied, don't stop there. You must be presistant and have a good Dr. who will appeal your case.

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

Great. He is so nice.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being sick.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Had VBG, revision is for Rou n 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?

Trust in God. I have no fears of dying, if I should die I would be better off instead of living in the pain and suffering I am going through now. I have been throwing up for almost 2 years. Complications from the first surgery. I am ready.

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?

They are not willing for me to do this again. My husband has a big problem with it. I have been totally honest with everyone and they understand the risks.

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

Good, they are behind me. I told them the truth, and was told to take as long as I needed.

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

My stay was horriable. They mistreated me and the day I had surgery, I had to get up and go to the restroom and the nurse helped me to the bathroom and left me there for 40 minutes until my husband found me. I was in for 2 days. Faith, Hope and God.

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

None

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

Anxious, I drove everyone crazy.

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

First few weeks were kinda tough. Depression set in and it took about 3 weeks to wear off. You will need alot of TLC and support at this time.

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

10 miles.

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.

1st 6-weeks only liquids. Nothing more. Next 6 weeks soft solids. Now regular food. Have to be careful though. I can't eat junk, sweets, makes me dump (get sick)

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

Slim to none. But I am getting better.

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

Multi-vitamin Centrum

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?

Get nausia if I don't eat every 2-3 hours. Only dump very little if some thing is too rich or has to much fat. Only way to cure dumping is to lay down for 30 minutes or so, until it passes.

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

The pain and my scar.

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

Don't really go to group. It is too far. Need to find a group nearby.

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

Long and ugly. I got cut in the same place as before only bigger. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

1st goal-----------25lbs. 2nd goal-----------40lbs. By my 3 month anniversary 10-18-01

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nope.