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

I first saw about the surgery on TV. Then I started reading everything I could on the internet. I then found out some people at my work had had it done. I talked with them.

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

Insurance. That is the slowest part. I was lucky because a girl in my office decided to have the surgery at the same time. She was the ground breaker and kept me informed what I had to do the keep the process going and speed it up. That was very helpful. United Health Care has a Care Coordination Unit (1-800-495-5286) And once the Dr. writes the letter and sends this to the insurance company this is the place you need to call to check the status. This is very important to keep things moving along.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Huse was a group meeting with about 20 people and spouse/friends. He was very informative and answered all questions. The main thing is to write down any questions ahead of time and don't be afraid to ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I hated being so heavy. I had to try anything that could improve the quality of life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to an appointment with Dr. Huse where he explained the different procedures to about 25 people at one time. He explained why they did the Roux-y mostly and the quality of the results. He also told us the decision which procedure he would do is an individual one and would be decided for each person individually. I had already read up on several of the procedures and knew I wanted the Roux-y.

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 did not have any fears. If I didn't have the surgery I was going to die from a heart attack so I didn't have anything to loose. Don't hesitate to have the surgery. IT will improve your life 100 fold.

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 was against the surgery. My kids were all for it if I thought it would improve my life. My husband was afraid I would die. After I came through the surgery ok he was very supportive and so were my kids. They were at the hospital every day. Couldn't ask for better. My daughter wants to have the surgery too.

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

My employer was very supprotive and put me incontact with our people here concerning my short-term disablilty. Luckily I did/do have short-term disability insurance. I was off work six weeks.

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 fine. I was in 5 days. (had the open incision) First day was rough as could be expected but after that not bad. Hardest part was getting out of bed to do my walking ect. Nurses were wonderful and Dr. Huse was supper.

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

No

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 so excited I could hardly stand it. I had to wait three months but the back log was something else. Too many wanting the surgery and not enough Dr. or Operating Rooms. They have add a few Dr. since I had my surgery.

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

First week you need help. Need someone to help you with the normal everyday thinks like bathroom, bathing etc. After that I could handle it pretty much on my on. I still would get tired easy when I did my walks so my husband was there for me.

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

I traveled about 40 - 50 miles to the hospital. It was ok for my check ups for I work in Indianapolis anyway so I go the the Dr. after work. I don't go to the exercise class and group classes for I can't get to them. I work two jobs so it doesn't work out.

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 hardest thing is no bread for 1 year and no beef for 1 year. That has been the toughest. I am a real meat lover so that has been tough. No sausage is difficult too. They told me I could eat pork and when they tell be that I "assume" all pork but that is not the case. No allowed to have sausage. I found that out for myself as it made me sick everytime I tryed to eat it. I was told I would not be able to tolerate sweets and that is not true for me unfortuately. I have a real struggle leaving sweets alone. I am trying real hard but I love them so guess that will always be a struggle.

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

I walked daily while I was off work. I walk some in my job but I have a desk job so don't get as much activity as I would like. I am planning on joining Curves as soon as I can afford it.

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

I take vitamins (childrens chewable) 2 a day. calcuim vitamin b-12 sublingual biotin for my hair and nails. Really needed that as my nails pealed and were very soft. Dr. had me get it from GNC and it works great and no hair loss.

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 only had nausia, vomiting when I ate too much or the wrong thing. Hair loss I avoid by taking the Biotin. It seems to work. My hair has been thin for years so couldn't aford to loose more.

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

The worse part is the excess skin. I am so afraid my insurance will not pay for the removeal of the excess skin. I am just hoping and praying I am wrong. I will not know until I get approval from my surgeon to talk to the plastic surgeon. Have to wait until March 2004, 1 yr.

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

I do not go to the aftercare support group as it is too far and not at a convenient time for me.

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

It is ok. Smaller than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have found that my weight loss plateaus regularly. I just have to keep at my correct eating and it will proceed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes!!!! I get lots of nice complements. People take double takes and can't get over the change. Real nice.!!!!