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

Years ago. I didn't give it much thought because I thought that I could not afford it.

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

My doctor and the clinic I go to make it very easy to qualify. All the paperwork, classes, and tests were completed and sent to my insurance company so that there would be no hang ups with the approval.

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

Informative and comforting. People can get the most out of the meeting by asking questions an taking notes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that it was covered by my HMO and that the surgery would help with some of the health problems I was having. I also wanted to be able to play with my great grandson.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The lap band seemed like too much trouble with having to get the band adjusted.

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 actually did not have any fear. With the exception of having problems keeping food down the first week after introducing solids back into my diet I have not had any problems. I would tell them not to worry. Read the information that they're given because there is a very low incidence of complications or death from the surgery.

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?

I told my immediate family members and a few close friends first and they were very happy for me. I now tell everyone who ask and so far I have not gotten any negative reactions. There are a few who try to tempt me with food but it is very easy to turn them down.

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

I had my surgery in January and just told my supervisor the beginning June that I had gastric bypass. He was surprised but happy for me. He told me that someone else in the company I work at had the surgery about a year ago and that she may be able to give me some tips. I was only off work for a week. I used vacation time.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes I was glad I attended because questions I had were answered and there were lots of things to learn. I did not know about all of the different types of surgeries.

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

With the exception of having a very dry mouth the first day after surgery, I had a very comfortable stay. The staff was very helpful.

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 just anxious to get it over and done with.

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

I honestly did not have any problems. I was back to work a week after surgery. Felt great.

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

40 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.

The week after the Dr. told me I could eat soft foods was the worst. I got sharp pains in my stomach, vomited every time I ate. T I cannot eat rich ice cream or really sweet foods. If I do, I vomit. It only takes one time for me. I stay away from these foods now. There are also a lot of foods that just don't taste good anymore. I only eat baked crackers, sour dough bread, etc. I got sick off of wheat berry bread. Must read all labels to see what the sugar content is.

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

I was able to walk for at least an hour a day. The majority of my exercise is walking. I do aerobics and some dancing also.

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

Multivitamins, Calcium 3 x a day and B complex 2 x a week.

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?

nausea and vomiting were the worst. Some dumping. I know what foods cause the problem and I stay away from them now.

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

The stomach problems I had after going back to solid foods.

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

I sometimes attend the support group my clinic offers the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. I like it most when there are special guest speakers. Sometimes gets out of hand when there is open forum. I like the success stories and hearing how others deal with their problems after surgery.

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

I had laser surgery. No scars. Just little dots. I had previously had gallbladder surgery so I knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet. It's been 8 1/2 months since my surgery. So far the weight just keeps coming off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Some try to get me to eat. Others want to know if I am all right and if I have side affects from the surgery. Most say they are happy for me.