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

Add in newspaper. Daughter saw Carnie Wilson on tv and told me all about it and I got real excited thinking maybe I could get the surgery. Went to a seminar and was real impressed and felt there is hope and it is an answer to prayer.

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

I was approved after the first try. My insurance company was great! Paid every thing except $450 of the hospital bill.

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

My first visit was great. Dr. Kolenick and his staff took all the time I needed to answer questions and help me with the process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing I could be healthier and happier if I did have the surgery and the doctor was so kind and helpful.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor explained the procedure to me in complete detail and I trusted him.

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 figured I would be taking a risk to have any type of surgery so I put my faith and trust in God and He saw me thru.

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 family was real supportive. I was very lucky that they were all rooting for me.

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 understanding and had only positive reactions. I was out of work for 3 weeks.

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

My experience in the hospital was very good. Was in there 3 days. Can't think of any special that I took with me. Other than lots of support from my family and friends.

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

None. I was real fortunate!

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 night home was a tough one. But after that I did real well. Kept in mind that every day would be better than the day before. Was tired for about a month. Then I started to regain my strength.

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

Being tired, remembering to eat, (drink). I walked a lot to help with gas and pain. It helped a lot. You should expect to be kind of weak and tired for the first month. But it gets better every day.

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

125 miles. I stayed in a motel for one week following my surgery to be close to my surgeon. The motel was really great making sure I had things I needed. They even put a recliner in my room for me to relax in.

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.

At first meat was real difficult to eat. Appeared as though it would get bigger as I chewed it. Sometimes I would chew meat then spit it out. Now I can eat anything I want with in reason. Have to watch the sugar and fat. Makes my stomach upset. I get into trouble when I go too long in between meals. Get too hungry and have a tendency to eat too fast and too much and then I vomit.

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

Walked every day. Not far and not fast but tried to keep active. Each week it got easier, and I could walk more. Now I walk at least 3-5 days per week for 2 miles.

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

Flintstone chewable, iron, tums, vit C, B12, zinc, protein drink one to two times per day.

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?

4 months after surgery I started to notice hair loss. Increased my protein and added zinc and I stopped. I have not experienced dumping very often. (sometimes I think my surgery was not a success because I have no side effects) go figure!

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

Can't actually think of anything at this point.

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

I have only been to two support groups due to the fact they are at night and I have to drive for two hours to get there to spend one hour. I wish they were closer. Thinking of starting my own group.

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

No large at all and it is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a plateu at the present time. I am getting discouraged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Boy do I!!! I feel like people notice me more and ask my opinion now like it matters what I think. It is almost like I am respected more.