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

My best friend told me about bariatric surgery and we researched it for aprox. 1 1/2 yrs. At first I didn't think this type of surgery was for me as it was very extreme, but the more I read about it and the more I spoke with people who have had it - the more I realized this surgery was definately for me.

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

I didn't have any problems getting approved. I don't really have any advice on approval as I never went through this.

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

When I initially met my surgeon - I went with my best friend who was also considering the surgery. We both explained to him what we knew and he told us what we didn't know. I asked alot of questions and he answered them all to my liking. My surgeon has a wonderful bedside manner and never gave me the impression that I was worthless. That is one of the main reasons I really like him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to do this for me. I was tired of the way I looked and tired of the way people looked at me. I wanted to live a long and happy life w/ my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose VBG because it was less invasive than the RNY. I don't have a problem w/ sweets - so I figured RNY was not for me. Plus my weight loss wasn't that great.

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 very scared. I even went so far as to write a letter to my husband and children the night before surgery explaining to them why I had to have this surgery and what it meant to me. I did this just in case something went wrong w/ my surgery. I hid them in my drawer where I knew my husband would find them if anything happend.

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 family was very supportive. They all realized it was my decision and no matter what they said wasn't going to change my mind about having it.

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

I am self employed so I didn't have this problem. As far as how long I was out of work - I would say one week. I started working again a week after surgery part time.

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

I had my surgery on Monday 1/25/99 and left the hospital on Friday 1/29/99. My hospital stay was very good. The nurses and hospital staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I would say the most important thing to bring are slippers, housecoat and lipbalm. I also brought a walkman, a book and some magazines, but I never used them.

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

During my VBG surgery the surgeon nipped my spleen. I had alittle soreness from that but everything from that was fine. I also had complications with my Ring closing up. I was in the hospital 4 times after surgery with having to be dialated. Then 4 months post op I ended up having to have my Gallbladder removed.

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

After surgery it was very difficult for me. My best friend and I had our surgery together on the same day, shared the same room, etc. I went home 5 days after surgery and she went home 101 days after surgery. She ended up w/ Sepsis and other complications. I felt guilty that I was healing and she wasn't. I didn't sleep very well as I was in alot of pain and it was very hard to adjust to the different eating habits.

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

I had difficulty sleeping in my bed. I ended up sleeping on the couch for the first 6 weeks after surgery. I used the back of the couch to sort of prop me up on my side. I was very tired and napped alot. I work from home and did start back up working a week after surgery part time.

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

I traveled a few 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.

I was never put on any special diet program. My surgeon said I can eat normally - just in smaller amounts. I typically ate soups, yogurt, jello, pudding, applesauce. After a few weeks I started eating tuna, egg salad and then I tried noodles (which was very difficult for me) and rice (which I was able to eat on a Good Day). I could never tolorate scrambled eggs - but can eat poached eggs. Meat is very difficult and chicken on a good day goes down ok. I have alot of problems with fruit even still after 7 1/2 months. I can eat pizza w/out any problems and any type of junk food out there. Unfortunately the junk food seems to go down better than anything - and I really have to keep my distance from it. I am just starting to be able to hand salad at 7 1/2 months post op.

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

I had very little activity right after surgery. I now after 6 months post op have started an excercise program. I just wish I could walk more.

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

I take 4 childrens chewable vitamins a day.

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 would have to say the worst side effect would be the "stuck" feeling and throwing / spitting up. In the begining it was frequent because I had problems w/ my ring closing up - but it happens very, very seldom now, if at all.

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

Just getting used to the different ways of eating. I have learned to chew and spit foods that I crave and know I can no longer eat:)

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

The only aftercare support I have as of right now is my monthly doctor visits. I weigh in and talk about any problems I am having. I also belong to a VBG list through OneList on the internet. There is a support group currently in the making in my area to be starting on the 7th of November, 99.

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

My scar is not bad. I did have alittle bit of seepage in the begining from the bottom half of my incision. It seems alittle wider at the top and when I first had surgery my scar was aprox. 6" and now it seems to have shrunk to aprox. 4".

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have yet to hit any plateaus (knock on wood:)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do - and it really bothers me!!!