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

I had seen an advertisement, but my cousin-in-law had it doene and I knew I wanteed it too.

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

I was very thourough the first time around. I had 4 doctors recommend it. It went through in four days. A problem with my employer group is what caused all the problem. Advise: If you policy is going to change between the time you get your approval and your surgery date, be sure it will still be covered. Ask the group through which you get your insurance if they are anticipating any exclusions of bariatric surgery. Get it in writing. If it gets into an arguemnet, document everything sadi and everyone you taked too. Ask for a first name and second initial.

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

I had a pre visit orientation so it was a bit anticlimactic. Take a list of written questions that you wat answers for with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be human again

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This is the one he does.

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 afraid I would be the first patient he lost. I was afraid it would not work. I was afraid my pouch would stretch. I would tell people these fears are normal, but probably unfounded.

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 and friends were supportive before and after the surgery. My son the doc did have some reservations, but said it was my decision and he would support me whatever I chose. He does not have reservations now.

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

I did not tell him. I teach and I was to have it in the summer. The delay, however, has caused me to miss the beginning of school. I will probably be out 6 weeks. He is not crazy about the loss of work, but is being supportive.

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

My pain pump was not working and I did not get morphine for 16 hours. It was a nightmare. The next day I was put on oral meds and my call button did not work. I was there tree days and raring to get out of there. Bring your own pillow, slipp on sandals or slippers and a robe. I brought lots more and didn't need it.

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

Constipation... Milk of Magnesia, Colace, enemas, Kefir (a yougurt like drink) and walking.

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

The only stress I felt was to get my affairs in order so I would not have to do things when I got home. I was connect to a support group with a message board and I spent a lot of time there.

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

I was tired. I needed someone to keep me awake to eat and drink water and bring me things for the first few days. I was alone the thrid day home. No problems. The biggest problem was boredom with lack of ability and the food.

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

Seven minutes! Not a problem.

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.

For the first 4 weeks I was to be on liquids, creamed soups and yougurt. At four weeks I added soft foods. At six weeks I can add other thinsgs with protein. At four weeks I added fruit and veggies to help with the constipation.

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

It was sporatic. I had a lot of trouble waking up at night so I was not sleeping well. If I had a busy day, I slept a lot the next day.

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

Two chewable childrens vitamins with iron and a sublingual B-12.

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?

Sleep disturbance and nausea. Still have them at 4 weeks

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?

The Jewish Hospital has a group which is kinda helpful. The center itself is helpful. The ButterflyLosers support group is very helpful.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

A 8" fertical scar in approximately the center of my abdomen. I expected that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, with a lot more respect.