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

My mother had the surgery. I tried to talk her out of it thinking she would never have a normal life style. She lost the weight and has kept is off for 2 years. I have recently changed my opinion as she lives a completely normal life.

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

I started my process in October 2002. My insurance was changing handlers in 2003 and my surgery was scheduled for 2003 so It took until January to get an answer. I gained weight during this time frame just causing me to have to loose more bfore my surgeon would do the surgery.

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

It went fine. He was very serious about me doing my part. I wish I had asked more questions about what to expect after surgery. Energy level is very low and smotionally it is very hard. i was not prpared for this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I tried every diets. I would succeed for a while only to gain it all back plus some.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew other people that had had it with good success.

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 had no fears about the surgery. God is in control. If it is my time to die I will die no matter wherre I am.

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

I was out of work for 2 weeks. All of my bosses were very understanding and supportive.

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 for 3 days/2 nights. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. There was pain but it was minimal. Bring a robe and slippers and hygeine product.

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

I had no complications.

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 was not in too much pain. I slepp in the recliner for about a week as it was hard to in and out of bed. I was not hungry. I had liquids for about 5 days and then the doctor added 1/3 meat or vegtables 3 times a day. Emotionally I still want food. I am struggling to change my thought process. I have gotten sick 3 times out fo 5 weeks. I am trying to eat slower and not over eat.

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

I had no energy. I had to move very slowly. The worst part were all of the commercials for food on TV. My emtional battle with food has been harder than my pysical battle.

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

30 miles. No problem with aftercare

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 only had the surgery 5 weeks agao. I had clear liquids for about 5 days. I was then put on 1/2 ounce of meat or leafy vegtables 3 times a day. I will be on this for 6 months or until I loose all of the veight. I though I would get more food as time went on but not until I have lost all of my wieght. i did not knwo this up front. Again another question i wish I had asked before surgery.

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

After two weeeks I have very little energy. I can only be active for about 15 minutes. After 5 weeks I am working but can only be up and moving constantly for about 45 minute. Getting stronger everyday. They said at doctors office I would be at full strength after about 3 months.

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

4 Flinstones Complet 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?

Vomiting has been very disturbing. Just hoping it will pass soon. No other symptoms yet. I know more will come.

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

None yet but there is one in my area I am think about trying.

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

5 very little incisions. No problem with these.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None Yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not Yet