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

I have freinds that had the surgery 10 yrs ago, I have been thinking about it since then

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

i had no problem at all. Evrything was covered by OHIP

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

Dr. Huynh was very up front with me about how much of a life change it would be and how much of a risk it was.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to get the surgery three yrs ago. My mind was already set before i when to see Dr. Huynh

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It wasn't that hard to decide. I couldn't afford the band surgery and the bypass is covered by OHIP

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 alot of fights about the surgery and even dying. But the dr. told me my risk of having a heart attack and dying was higher then the surgery. I wanted to live a full life and i knew it was the only way i would be able to do that. I also knew i was health right now and if i waited any longer that could change. It was worth the risk

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?

At first my children didn't like the idea. They were afraid of losing me. But once i explained to them this may be my once chance at a normal healthy weight and that they could lose me from a heart attack just as easily, they understood and supported my decision. My common law partner understood right away. He knew how much pain i was in with my knees and just wanted me to be pain free and happy.

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

My employer was very supportive when i told her. She heard about the surgery before and told me take as much time as i needed off work. I had the surgery april 18 and i am going back to work part time on may 05. I was off 2 weeks

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

I ended up staying 2 days longer in the hospital. I started to have pains when i ate. It was because of the swelling in my stomach. My stay was great other then that..the nurses were great and very caring. Make sure to bring a brush, toothbrush, housecoat and slippers. Bring what very you want that will make you comfortable during your stay.

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

the only complication was my blood pressure going to high. But that was taken care of pretty well.

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 got my surgery date pretty fast. I was told it could be a few months before i got a date. but i was called with one within a month of completing all the reguirement. I had only four weeks to get ready for it. At first i was scare and shocked it was going to happen so fast.

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

Everything when pretty well. I fell weak i couldn't stay up very long. I was tied all the time. but that changed as i was able to eat more and started taking the vitimins and protein drinks. by the second week i was much stronger and staying up all day.

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

I live in Oshawa and i had the surgery in toronto, it's about 45 min drive, in good traffic. My family couldn't ccome visit me as much as i would of liked because of the distance and the fact they work days. It would of taken to long to get home again.

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.

it's only been two weeks since surgery. I am not having any problems eating anything on the full fluid diet. I will be starting the pureed diet next week.

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

very low the first week. a bit higher the second week.. have to wait and see for the rest

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

multi-vitimins, protein powder in my food, protein drinks, calcuim citrate and B12 shots

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?

The only problem i had was sleep at night when i got home. I started to have bad pains in my lower back on the right side. It keep me awake i couldn't lay down or sit up, the only time it didn't hurt was when i stood up. I had it checked out and found out i strained a muscle on my right side getting up after surgery and i didn't know it because of the pain killer i was given in the hospital. that is now fine

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

the pain right after surgery was really bad and then it was trying to get the gas moving.

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

I have my family as my biggest support group. My husband is the leader in the group. When i'm feeling down or depressed because i couldn't keep food down, he reminds me of how far i have come so far and how much of a reward it will be in the end. Wouldn't be able to do it without him. My doctor is also there for me if i need him and my dietician.

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

My scars are very small. I don't really care about them to much. I expected them to be worst. I knew i would have scars but like i said it doesn't matter to me. I am more concerned about losing the weight.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At first i was losing weight at a fast rate but that has slowed down, i am losing about 5lbs a week. I am having a hard time eating solid foods. Some days they stay down, others they don't. It gets a bit depressing when i vomit at least once a day, sometimes more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, my co works keep telling me to keep up the good work. They can notice how much weight i have lose so fast.