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

I have sen it on TV. But I had a close friend that went and had the surgery done. She told me about the web site and I have spent many hours on here learning as much as possible. Seeing her has made a difference as well. She is no longer having to take blood pressure meds and that is a goal that is wonderful.....

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

I didn't have to deal with the insurance at all...I filled out all the papers and the business office took care of it from there....I was approved after the first letter...

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

The first meeting went very well...Dr.Rodrigez explained everything that was going to be done as well as all the risk factors...He major stress was that this is a tool not a cure all...And that is something that everyone should know up front...He answered any questions....

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My main reason was the health issues that I had....I was on 3 blood pressure pills a day and stomach pills....My family has a history of heart diease and that was the icing on the cake...I have two beautiful daughters to be around for...Not to mention that I was on the verge of diabetic....

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The decision was mainly up to the doctor...I really wanted the lap as I knew the recovery for it was a bit less in time...So upon the exam he said that I was a go for Lap.

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 believe I had all the fears that come with surgery...The fear of dying was a big one...I didn't want to leave anyone behind...But yet my chances of health problems was there...I did write to my girls and husband just in case...Thank God I was able to come home and tear them to pieces...I believe that if you are not worried or have any fears or such that you are not really serious about it...It is normal to have them...

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?

Most of my family was very supportive of the surgery...There were a few that were against it...But as I explained to them...It was something I had to do for me not for them....For the most part they have all been there for me since the surgery...And for that I am greatful...It is something that you really need support with afterwards...As you are changing physically as well as emotionally...

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

My boss was great and supportive with what I was going to have done...And they told me there would be a job waiting for me when I returned....I was out of work for 5 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 great....Although the nurses were understaffed...I recieved the best care...They were all supportive when up and walking the halls...Didn't matter weather you were their patient or not....I ended up staying 5 days as the first barium swallow didn't show up well enough for the doctor and he just wanted to be sure things were ok..That in itself was great...One of the main things that I can think of that you might need to bring is baby wipes...Once you are having BMs it makes it easier on the bottom...And that is a big thing as well...You can't wipe yourself for a few days...So make sure you have a loving person there with you..

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

I am happy to say I didn't have any complications..

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 few weeks before surgery I was like a maggot in hot ashes...I couldn't sleep and was nervous all the time....I did a lot of deep breathing....It really helped...And I should say that no one should be ashmed to go and ask for an antidepressant....If fact it would be a good thing to continue after surgery...

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

It is rough to get around and The main thing is getting comfortable.. I had to sleep in a recliner for the first week...It is much easier to get in and out of...And laying flat was not an opition..You are going to be a bit crabby...And not sure of how much your new stomach can handle...Just take your time...I also got tired a bit faster than normal...A few short naps during the day were helpful...

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

I had to go 75 miles one way to have it done...For me it was worth it..The after care is just a few times....So that is not bad...My primary care doctor has been keeping tabs on my weight lose and blood pressure so I don't have to make those long trips...

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 first week in strictly broth and sugar free jello...The next week is the same for one meal and an egg and toast for the next meal...Starting the 3rd week you go on strictly proteins..Refried beans become your friend....Starting the 6th week you are able to start cooked veggies....After that you start salad and then fruits... The main thing is protein first then veggies and then other things... Protein first and foremost the rest of your life..

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

The first few days there was really no activity level..I was very tired....I managed to get 5 minutes of walking in every two hours...For the first two weeks..I just continued to do a little more everyday...By week 4 I could stay up all day...Not going all the time though....Week 5 it seemed as though I had had nothing done..

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

I take a B-12 shot every month....I am also taking Flintstone vitamins twice a day....For the calcium I am taking tums...It is hard to remember that as you can't take them with vitamins.....

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 a lot of trouble with sleeping...It was a about two weeks of sleep of two to four hours and then up...I am greatful..I didn't have much nausea...And no vomiting...Have had a few dumping episodes and no hair loss...

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

Having to wait for something to drink was a major issue for me...I was a large water drinker before surgery...Also the not being able to wipe myself...

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

I am not a member of any support group...My main support is from my family....I also get alot of support for this web site...It is very helpful knowing that you are not going through it alone..

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

I had the lap done...And ended up with 8 holes...They had to do a bit of extra work...Due to previous surgeries...They are not bad..Only one of them has not healed like it should...But it is coming along...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have sit some plateaus and I have to admit they are hard to get through...Have found out that water is the key...If you get to busy to drink then the weight will stall...Drink again like you should and the weight will began to come off again...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

If it is time to eat I have noticed people wondering what I am going to do and wanting to go out of their way to fix something special..I just tell them I am fine and not to worry..