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

My gastrointestinal specialist told me that my liver was full of fat pocket and the only think that was going to save my from developing sirosses of the liver would be to have gastric bypass surgery. The thought of having the surgery really frightened me.

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

I had not difficulties, my surgery was approved in less than one week.

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

The whole process was explained to me along with diagrams of the process itself. It was explained that bariatric surgery is a very serious procedure and it is very important that I was positive that I wanted to proceed with the surgery. I asked many questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to to be able to see my grandchilren grow into adults and I still have a lot of living to do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of reading and talking to doctors and past bariatric surgery patients.

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?

The fears are realistic, never think that this is not a serious surgery. All surgery has some risk and complications do happen some times. You need to have confidence with the surgeon that you select.

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 and my mother were really scared for me. My children and brother were very excited that I had the opportunity to do something about my health. I did explain all aspects of the surgery to them so I feel that they were all well informed. Everyone is so happy for me now that the surgery is over with and I am doing great.

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 supportive because he has been thought all of my other health issues. I did tell everyone in my office about my decision. I was only out of the office for two weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for two days. I started walking on the day after my surgery. It was very important to my surgeon to walk to keep blood clots from forming. I really did not to bring much. Some my medications I was required to bring from home.

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

I really did not have any complications - everything went just as the surgeon explained.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After my surgery date was scheduled I found out that I was getting really excited and could not wait until the proceedure was over with. I must say that the support I received from my family was very important to me.

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

I was a little sore but that went away after the staples were removed and moving around becaue easier. Wearing the elastic ban is important. I was tired at first but as the days passed I began to get more energy. Walk, walk, walk . . .it's important.

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

68 miles-round trip

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.

No foods containing sugar. Sugar substitutes are ok. For the first month all food were cooked and pureed (chicken turkey, veggies, and fruit. My dietician told me today after one more week (my one month mark) I could eat the following food without pureeing them: thin sliced lunch meat, fish, crab cake, soft meatloaf, soft cooked meat balls, soft fruit without the peel (bannana, pear, apple - no oranges)

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

Not a lot - just walked

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

Vitamins, iron, B-12, B-50, 95 grams from protein drink daily, and calcium

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 had no side effects

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

No worst part - I was a little uncomfortable with the staples but after they were removed everything went along fine. Just listen to your doctor and do what the dietician tells you. It is for your own good.

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

I have not gone to the support group because I live so far away.

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

My scar is about three inches long and it is exactly and my doctor explained it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only about a month out so I have not had a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No