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

I found out from my Dr. I had asked him for help and I had suggested stomach stapling. My Dr. suggested several Drs. in the Cleveland area however the ones he suggested were not doing the procedures anymore so I tried BTC--was then very pleased!

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

After attempting to get other ins cos. to approve me over the last 10 yrs and were denied. I had almost given up! Then my newst ins. co through work finally approved me it was by the grace of GOD!

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

I was extremely impressed with Dr.Choban, she was very understanding, caring, and mad feel as though I was her only patient. She was very thorough with explaining the procedure pre-op and post-op.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had worked on having the surgery over a period of ten years. The approval letter made it final I had been approved! I was ready to go that day!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that this type of procedure was the best because it was permanent, unlike staples which could pop out and cause several problems.

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?

Really none I thought that the worse side would be if I died but knew that that was slim to none! I really kept focused on the results not so much if there were complications, I figured we would deal with that if and when the time came.

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?

At first everyone was against it except my husband and he didn't have much to say about it. My parents were the hardest to convince, in fact I finally had to say "I appreciate your concerns and opinions but I have to do this for me." After that my parents came around and never said anything else except when my mom went with me to my PAT appointment. She cried until she met several people who had had the surgery and saw the facilty--she then felt better about it. However through it all she did stand next to me and allowed me to make my own decisions on this. She is truely my best friend! My family are wonderful! They have supported me all through this and that's why I LOVE them dearly. Thank you!

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

Since I work in a Medical facility, they seemed to be very understanding. They were very cooperative. I let them know by explaining my situation to them and they responded, That's wonderful. Right now I am going to be off at least 6 weeks, however, I am taking a family leave and may be off a little longer.

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

My stay was 4 days and the stay was wonderful the staff were sooooo kind and caring, I'm really going miss them but plan to stay in touch! Things to bring if you are allowed are your favorite pillow for when you go home, an outfit, and your favorite blanket. I took a caftan because I didn't want anything around my waist.

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

NONE! However I had alot of pain right after surgery and my sugar went sky high but with a little insulin and pain killer that was takedn care of. Now I am not on any diabetic medications and my pain has subsided after 9 days!

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 really excited and was looking forward to the surgery! I had waited 10 years to have it done! I couldn't believe it at first and thought when the time would come something would happen and I would not be able to hav the surgery done.

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

My first weeks home were ok had some pain--but mostly bored! Tried to exercise but didn't do very well always over did it and ended up paying for it for several days, nothing really tasted good but it was wonderful to move from stage to stage with food. 6 weeks later I'm back on real food

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

Travelling time just about 2 hours but worth every bump in the road!

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 MORE MCDONALDS! That's a good thing! certainly no raw sugar but what a small price to pay for a longer life! Really I can eat almost anything except for the cakes, ice cream, cookies and potatoe chips Don't need it anyway!

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

I wanted to increase each day but just couldn't my body just wasn't ready to go forward. However, now 3mths after my body is telling me to do something mostly walk!

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

Bugs bunny sugar free chewable vits, now prenate vits. I used to take Prozac,actos,glucophage,synthroid and sleeping pills now I don't have to take any of those and my diabetes is under control first time since 1996.

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?

probaly the nausea and vomitting.

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

Directly after surgery, Oh the pain was terrible--but we do survive!

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

I have decided to try and get a support group going right here in my city, there are several people who have had the surgery and either have to go to Cleveland which is 40mins away or don't have any support. More to come in the Future!

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

Since I have never had a surgery in my life, I can't really comment on this. However, it seems to be doing very well. For a lifetime of healthyness and happiness I will live with the scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had about a 2 week plateau and I became very frustrated but hung in there because deep down I knew I was losing inches. 4/9/01 I am at my first plateau and have been here about 3 weeks I'm getting anxious to continue on. I weigh myself everyday as a ritual because I like to see the scale spiral downward! 11/14/01 I am at my 1 yr anniversary and have lost 103 lbs! YEA!!! life is so much better, I run, play just like a child now and Ireally only have 60 more lbs to lose. Plateaus are awful, but manage to get through them some of them last for several weeks then I will lose 5-6 lbs in one shot. DON'T GIVE UP! IT'S ALL WORTH IT!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyday I have someone ask me how I'm doing and how much weight I have lost. 50 lbs lighter and people are saying "We can really tell it now, Congrats" What a sense of confidence!!!! 4/9/01 lost 65 lbs and people are saying that I am melting from head to toe but the most noticeable is my attitude and self confidence. 11/14/01 today I took in my pictures of 1 yr ago boy what a difference, Peolple really notice and seem to be more concious of what has happened, they really try not to tempt me with things and always try to ask my opinion on things like Donna What can u eat? or is there anything special you want? It use to be they didn't care what ever we make she'll eat! NOT ANYMORE!