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

I had a colleague at work who had the surgery. She forwarded the web sites to me and I started researching it. At first, I was not sure I wanted to do something so drastic, until I realized just how much it could change my life.

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

I had very little difficulty getting approval for surgery. In Ontario, Canada our government provides coverage right now for this procedure for persons who qualify. I am not sure what guidelines they use, but I had a high BMI. I also fit right into the criteria Dr Rutledge has established for MGB. My advice to others is to research, ask questions and search your heart to find your own path.

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

I stayed in hospital overnight. The St Rose de Lima hospital in Henderson Nevada was very nice and the staff were amazing. I was treated with the upmost respect and kindness. I don't remember what I had to bring to the hospital, but the hospital provided me with everything I needed to know for my hospital stay.

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

I had no complications with surgery.

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 did feel anxious before surgery. I remember questioning my decision several times. But everytime I did, I could find no reason to stop the process. I had no other way to get my life back and I really wanted my life back. I have no regrets.

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

I had no pain. My energy was spent in learning how to eat again. I concentrated on allowing my stomach and other parts heal properly by eating only what I was instructed to. I slowly added other things into my diet always mindful of my reactions to everything. Small portions, small bites and chew chew chew - this is now my mantra.

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

I travelled to Las Vegas from Ontario Canada. I stayed in the area for a week after surgery then went home. My primary physician at home became my caregiver and Dr Rutledge was always available via phone if I really needed him. Right after surgery I had daily contact with him for the 1st 2 weeks via phone. After that contact was on a monthly basis thru specialized update sheets on the web page and thru my own physician.

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.

In the begining I could only east clear liquids. Then I moved on to things like pea soup and small amounts of very bland chili. The amounts of food have increased a little but not by a lot. I have very little trouble with any foods as long as I stick to small portions, bite sized or smaller and chew alot. The only thing I really find difficult is bread. I do not waste my time with anything that does not have a lot of flavour. I only get so much to eat, why bother. I do not crave food much anymore either.

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

The 1st few weeks my energy level did not increase by much, but as the weight started to come off, I became a lot more energectic. I had my surgery in late September and by the end of January I was looking for a gym to work out in.

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

I take 3 multivitamins per day. I take ursodial for my gall bladder and that is it at this point except for the occasional tums. I took losec for my stomach acid up until recently and I took fibre suplements. I also am on a birth control patch to aid with my mood swings. I thought it was going to be much worse. It was fine.

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 one occurence of nausea and vomiting. My hair loss only occurred for a month and then stopped. My recovery was uneventful.

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

bar none the worst part of the process was the paperwork.

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

I am a member of Obesity Help.com and of the MGB web site post op group. they are very helpful and for me they are all that I need.

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

I have 5 small little port sites. When I was 2o years old I had full term twins. I can't find the portsites due to the stretch marks from the twins. I can't imagine that it would be a concern after being obese.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have reached a couple of very short plateaus. All I do is change up my routine a little and it seems to be enough to start me on the way back down again. I sometimes do more exercise or stop exercise all together or change my diet slightly. Somthing will eventually trigger the weight loss again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People seem to pay greater attention to me. They seem to be more comfortable around me. Or maybe I am more comfortable around them. I am not completely sure which it is. It is just nicer.