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

I have known for ever- my mother battled with her weight. I was skeptical, but intrigued.

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

The first time I tried I was 178- I wasn't "fat" enough. This time, it was no problem.

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

He was very honest, straight-forward, and a bit intimidating.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am tired of how I felt and I was tired of the pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Roll was recommended. I knew I would need the most drastic.

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 feared dying or it not working. I think it is worth all the risks. To be healthy and take back the control/respect over your life and body is very and empowering.

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 never accepted my obesity- I was an embarrassment.

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

They gave me a hard time @ first- they acted as if it were cosmetic. Now, my boss likes the way I look and the energy I have.

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 3 days. A comfy pair of pajamas, and personal hygeine kit. Don't bring much.

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

no

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 spoke with friends and family. I also write in my journal.

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

I just took each day individually. It is much easier. Set a routine and stick to it.

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

twenty minutes

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 find that I cannot even stand the smell of tuna- I used to love it. I sometimes have a hard time with rotisserie chicken/turkey. I cannot do pasta anymore.

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

By two weeks I was back at the pool- even after the first week, I was doing a lot of walking. It's been three months, and I swim 3/4 mile 4-7 days a week. I also slip in 1 or 2 two-mile walks.

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

I take two calcium a day, two childrens chewable vitamins, 1 chewable iron, 34gms of liquid protein, and a b12(every other 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 haven't experienced dumping. Then again, I have never tested it. I never eat anything with more than 2-3 grams of sugar in it. I have had a bit of vomitting- I eat too fast sometimes.

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

My iv infiltrated and I got a migraine.

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

I attend the Staple Club meetings in Fairfax, Va. the 3rd Monday of every month. It is very motivating and helpful.

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

My scar is approx. 3-4 inches- it looks like a giant worm- keliod. I am okay with it. It's not real big.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I will lose one day and nothing the next. I have gotten used to it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men- the male physcians are so friendly now- people in general are much more receptive to me.