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

About ten years ago I was working in a book store and one of the customers had to have the surgery to save her life. So the procedure was just percolating around in the back of my mind for years. I just was stunned by the sucess she had.

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

My approval went through on the first letter. I was very lucky but I also called to make sure everyone had everthing they needed and offered to hand deliver if necessary.

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

My Dr. is very young but knowledgable and he answered all the questions my sister and I had for him. Go with a list of questions because your will no doubt get sidetracked at some point.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I reached a point in my life where I am sick and tired of being sick and tired (old joke but so very true). I also have five grandchildren that I want to see grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Dr. said I was a good candidate for the Lap/rny but would switch to the open if needed. Luckily it was not so my recovery was relatively swift.

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 not focus on the complications and just went with a positive attitude and I think that is an important part of recovery.

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?

Every one has been wonderful and continue to be so.

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

My employers were very understanding and there are several of us who have had the surgery with amazing success. I was out of work for three weeks and begged the Dr. to let me go back. I was bored out of my mind at home.

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

I went to Ohio State University teaching Hospital and I really can't complain. Yes, there was noise but what can you expect when there are that many people around who are SICK! My surgery was Thursday morning and I went home about five PM on Saturday but ended up back at Midnight from vomiting blood. I ate to fast or to much and when new blood came up the wanted me back asap. I came home again on Tuesday and never looked back since. Take a comfortable robe, slippers and kitchen tongs(without sharp edges) to help in the restroom. You can't bend far enought to be effective.

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

I just had to learn that if the last bite does not feel right in your mouth, spit it out. Otherwise you may end up regretting having eaten.

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 fine, while in the hospital one of my daughters and her husband switched sofas with me so I could sleep in the reclining part instead of trying to sleep flat for the first few days. Bless their hearts, it really helped.

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

Just keep moving. Find a comfortable pace and keep going, stand up like you intend to and do not hunch over when walking. I have had several major surgeries and find this really important, your recovery is much quicker.

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

Less than ten 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 have been amazingly lucky, I have had very few reactions. Initially I reacted to meats somewhat and used a lot of cheese, peanut butter and milk for protein. The dietician at OSU is wonderful about follow up care and giving suggestions.

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

I walked to my daughters the first week I was home. Of course she lives on the next block but it was a start. I just got more energy as time went on.

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

Prenate vitamins, B12, Viactiv for calcium.

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?

As I said before, I have been amazingly lucky with very few episodes. I have had virtually no hair loss, and if I am careful to eat slowly and watch the amount I eat I very seldom have dumping or vomiting.

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

WAITING!

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

I have not been able to go to any groups since I work afternoons and evenings. I have been thinking about joining WW just to get some positive feedback.

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

I have five little puncture areas, they are much less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to hit a plateau about every ten pounds and boy is it frustrating. But then again, I am a slug when it comes to exercise so it is my own fault and I know it. I just have to gripe, I guess.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yeah, I have even had someone tell me it "wasn't healthy" to eat so little. There speaks a skinny person!