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

Met a couple of people that had it...without any real knowledge I initially thought they had "taken the easy way"

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

I met all requirements for surgery...BMI and 3 co-morbiditys (sp). You'll never know unless you try. Let aprofessional lead you.

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

He holds a monthly siminar. it is very informative. The 1st office visit was great. The doctor was almost as excited as I was.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My arthritis was so painful.I had been walking with a cane for 2 years. My daugher was about to give me my first grand daughter and I wanted to spend the same quality time I had with my other grand children.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't like the idea of something " foreign" being left in my body. And took my surgeon's advice.

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?

My fears were very mild. I have complete trust in my surgeon or I would not have had the surgery. I advice is tomhave faith in your surgeon. And research, research, research!!

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 husband has a fear of surgery. he took some convincing. but, he is very supportive.My daughters are supportive aproud of and for me as are my friends.

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

my boss is skeptical that this is a healthy alternative.But she is coming around-she always has lots of questions,

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

I was very glad. It was very informative. it helped me make my mind up.

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

I felt like a "whirlwind" ! I was in and out in just undder 24 hours! Bring comfy well fitting slippers-walking ASAP is the key!

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

I hve been lucky... there have been no surgical 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 nervous,excited,and impatient! I had complete faith in my surgeon and his team. I had a great support group,and the hospital's consultant was always there for me!

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

I went to my support group meeting 3 days after my surgery! i was mildly sore but feeling good. A very positive time.

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

I'm less than 5 min. from my hospital and my surgeon

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 follow my Dr.'s and dietian's instructions for each phase. I eat sugar-free/fat-free foods. I began on liquids the semi-liquids. i take all my vitimins and try to get in 2 liters of water and 75 grams of protein every day. Mostly fish. I have not tried beef except in the ground form. White meat chicken usually makes me sick so I try to avoid it.Fiberous veggies (broccoli) don't set well so I don't eat them. I don't think I'm ready for most raw veggies yet. I do eat beans (mashed),and califlower.Cooked carrots seem ok.A little bit of mashed baked potato works well.Low fat cheese is my friend. I stop eating when I feel full or at 1/4 cup which ever comes first.

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

i began walking the same day i had my surgery and haven't stopped! Pre-surg. i couldn't walk from my front door to my back door! I now walk all over my neighborhood.My husband gave me a bike and I'm work on it. My knee is still pretty weak. I'm always wanting to go and do.

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

Calcium citrate w/D - chewable sublingual B12 multivitamin- chewable iron-chewable biotin-quick disolve anti-acid disolving-1st 3 months

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?

I have quickly learned that eating too fast or swollowing too soon will cause vomiting and will last about 2 hours! So I "listen" to what my body is telling me. Discomfort (pain, heartburn feeling) means STOP! My husband is almost to good about reminding me to slow down and he helps me remember to not pick because it's there.

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

the flabby skin left behind

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

The hospital/Dr. sponsors a fantastic monthly group meeting. There is also a dietitian and consultant always availible! My monthly group is very important and helpful to me. And the consultant Angi and I speak almost weekly.

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

I have 5 small (1 inch or less) scars. 1 is on my old gall bladder scar! they are not as bad as I expected and a very small price to pay.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At about my 1st month I went for a about a week not losing at all! then BOOM! 10 lbs gone!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people look at me funny until they get the nerve to ask me what I did. Some people tell me they feel sorry because i can't eat the huge amounts they do! I just explain that i'm happy and not 'suffering",