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

A friend from work had the surgery. I was afraid but knew I had to do something about the weight or I was looking at possibly dying.

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 trouble with my insurance. They were great to work with and on top of getting me approved and in for surgery.

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

Great! He answered all the questions I had and helped me feel comfortable about the surgery. Make a list of things you are concerned about and ask the doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to feel better and look better. It's been great wearing smaller clothes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided I wanted everything final so that I could work with my weight more. To me the lap band was a temporary thing and took others longer to lose.

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 never afraid of dying from the surgery. I have a strong faith in God and believed he was with me during surgery or if I didn't make it I knew I'd be with Him. My fears I guess was knowing the anatomy of the body and whether things would function properly after surgery. I turned it over to the Lord.

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?

Most were behind the decision I made. My family was very supportive and wanted to see me feel and look better. I did have a few friends and family that said oh you aren't that over weight you don't need to have the surgery. I smiled thanked them for their concern and decided to have the surgery.

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

My employer supported my decision. I was up front and honest with her. I have been open about the surgery to everyone. I feel that being open helps others know there is a tool to help lose the weight and it can be safe and effective. I was out two weeks. The doctor advised a little longer, however I have a position where I could sit and rest. My staff looked after me too. My recovery time was great.

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

The staff of Shawnee Mission Hospital were great. I was there for two days and nights. My biggest problem after surgery was nausea and low blood pressure.

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

Low blood pressure. Stopped taking blood pressure meds.

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 don't really think I had a lot of anxiety. I saw a counselor and did alot of praying.

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

I was really tired the first week. My sister came and stayed and that was wonderful. The drainage from the small incision sites were a pain but other than that I really didn't have many problems or complaints.

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

25 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 first month all I could tolerate was soup, jello, popsicles, cottage cheese, and protein drinks. I didn't tolerate the deli turkey or chicken. Potted meat was tolerable for a while. I still can't tolerate too much chicken or turkey, potatoes, or bread. I really don't try to eat bread or pasta and if I do I eat a little and chew real good. It's been 6 months since my surgery and vegetables are limited especially lettuce. Some beef if it's cooked real tender I can tolerate. Sea food is a real good source of protein.

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

I used the glider 5 minutes at a time. I really was weak.

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

Caltrate with Vit D, Centrum Silver (multi-vit.), B-complex, and B-12. I drink high protein Slim Fast.

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 for me. If my stomach didn't like it, it came right back up. They occured for about 4months. Periodically if I eat one bite too much I'll get sick. Ice cream is the only thing I've noticed that causes dumping syndrome. I wouldn't eat the things that made me throw up for a while and then try again at a later date. Sometimes I need to lay down because it makes me really nauseated.

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

I had a mild case of depression about 2 months after surgery. I would become really angry and not know why. I finally figured it out. I was angry because I couldn't eat like I did before. Food used to be and sometimes tries to be my comfort. Now I try to keep myself busy.

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

I've not really done anything to have a support group.

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

I have five tiny scars, my surgery was laporscopic.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It's been six months and I've lost 72 lbs and nothing more for the past month. It scares me thinking I'm not going to lose any more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, they compliment on my weight loss and tell me I look good. I don't see it yet.