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

I want to have more children and my GYN has told me that it is too risky at my weight. She mentioned that I may be a candidate. I was alittle taken back by the thought of surgery at first, but I have done alot of research and now feel this is the best decision for me

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

Kathy @ Dr Zuccala's office sent in my letter and two days later I had approval. I didn't hav to lift a finger

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

My first meeting was great I had a long list of questions for the doctor. I met with Dr Garcia first who assists Dr Zuccala, he went over everything including diagrams and answered almost all of my quesitons in just his review. I then met Dr Zuccala who took the time I needed and again went over the surgery and aftercare process. I was very impressed with the time they spent with me and am now more at ease in having this surgery done

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have had a weight problem since 8 years old and do want to have more children, my gyn suggested the surgery and I had done alot of research before deciding on this surgery. I want to be able to do the normal things in life like take my 3yr old to the park. To walk through the grocery store and to play with my kids

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am having the Y procedure done. It is the only one that dr zuccala 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 had many fears. I have never had major surgery and was alittle fearful of the whole process. The best thing you can do is discuss this with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you can. Dr Zuccala made me feel alot more at ease about the whole procedure.

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 friends, family, and co workers are very supportive. They are all excited for me

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

I plan on having surgery on 2/10/04 and go back to work on 3/1/04, my employer has been very supportive and has told me to take as much time as i need

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

My stay in the hospital was great all the nurse's and residents were great they were very helpful and educated regarding the procedure I had, they went out of there way to make me comfortable

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

I had bleeding during surgery and had to have one transfusion in the OR and one the next day. Every one was great in helping me recover

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 first couple of weeks were the worst, but I had educated myself well and it was exactly what I expected. The only difference was the transfusions made me a little more tired that I would have been. I really didn't have any anxiety as I had prepared myself for recovery

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

There is a lot of pain involved, but if you take it day by day you do feel better. I suggest you have someone home with you for that first week as it is a little difficult to get around. Just take it slow and let your body heal. Listen to your body it will let you know when you have done enough

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

I live in naugatuck and had the surgery in danbury, my aftercare was fine. Dr Zuccala has staff on hand 24/7 to answer any questions.

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 am on the pureed stage right now and so far have been lucky my tolerance has held up...I was on fluids from 2/11/04 - 3/6/04 and that got kind of boring, but at least now I can change it up a little, still no starches or carbs, but I have fish, chicken, eggs, cheese...

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

My activity level grew each day. I went back to work part time on 3/8/04 and I just listen to my body each day and leave when I feel tired. The doctor told me the transfusions made me a little more tired than usual, but everyday I feel stronger

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

i have to take prenatal chewable vitamins, 2 tums a day, 1000mg b-12 every other day and pepcid everyday. I will be taking the prenatal and the tums for the rest of my life, but I will come off the other after about 6 months. The only medication I didn't have to take was the Actigall because I had my gall bladder removed.

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 been lucky and have not had any problems. Sleep was an issue when I first came home because of the pain, but other than that I have followed the doctors orders to the tee and have not had any other problems

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

I can't say there was a "worst" part as the results have been worht it. I don't take pain well so I would have to say that was the worst, but the nurses in the hospital told me that considering what I went through and what they have seen from other patients i did great.

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

My friends, family, and co-workers...I also attend the support group meetings once a month

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

I have six small incisions and they really aren't that bad at all, two are still healing

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

too soon, surgery 1 month ago

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am really getting alot of compliments from people, but it's too soon to see if I'm being treated differently