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

My husband saw it on TV and video taped it for me to watch, I thought that this might be the miracle that I needed. I was excited and immedialetly began researching about WLS.

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

I was estatic, I couldnt believe that it really is happening. It was truly a long struggle for me dont ever give up. Just keep trying, fight the insurance, get new insurance just hang in there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my health kept getting worse, and I had to have knee surgery because I have finally wore all the cartiaglige out because of my weight. The fear of dying before I could watch my children grow up and putting them through that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed the options with my doctor and he decided what was best for me

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

I arrived at the hospital on 9/14/01 at 7:30am, I left on 9/16/01 at 11:30. Everyone at the hospital was great, I could have not recieved better care anywhere else, and I work in a hospital. I brought gowns, slippers, personal care but did not use any of it, I stayed in a hospital gown the whole time because it was easier due to IV's

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

The only problem I had was nausea in recovery room and they gave me medicine and I had no other problems. I had to keep my g tube longer than expected because of drainage and then the site became infected, went on antibiotics and everything was fine.

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 and scared, but I had so many dr appt;s preparing for the surgery that I stayed busy, plus I worked 2 full time jobs. I prayed and left everything in God's hands and he took care of me

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

I have only been home for a couple of days but I am tired and feel very week. I thought I would be hungry but liquids and soups have filled me. My energy improved on a daily basis, some days better than others, I was able to start back to work at my school job after 2 weeks but the hospital I had to wait for 4 weeks.

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

only 30minutes

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 couple of weeks I ate soups and baked fish and potatos, but after that I started eating regular food and chewing it very well just small amounts, I have not really found anything that I could not tolerate. My biggest problem is making sure that I do not drink when I am eating.

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

The first couple of weeks I just stayed around the house did not do much, but once I started back to work my energy has increased. I need to start walking and swimming again in which I hope to start this week 10/21/01

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

I have a hard time remembering to take my vitamins but I purchased the Shakley Vitamins

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?

Vomiting has been a little problem, it did not start until about the 3rd week after surgery, and its when I first start to eat, so its not from overeating, some days are good and some are bad. Also sleep has been another issue, Im not sleeping as well.

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

The WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

I started a support group before the surgery, it has been extremely helpful because there are people there that are at every stage. I can see the actually success stories in person, find out what difficulties they may have had and what they did, it is a great group. I would highly recommend everyone find a support group, if not one in their area then also find one on the internet. This support group has been great and very informational as well (obesityhelp.com)

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

The scars are very small, I had lap, their like 5 small incisions approx 1/2 in

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first couple of weeks the weight was coming off quickly but by the 4th week it seemed like it came to a stop. I was getting worried that this did not work for me, but then it starts up again. The platuea's get long at times, I notice that after my cycles I will drop all of a sudden.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband keeps telling me how beautiful I am, and people at work are always asking how much have I lost so far.