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

My cousin had WLS about 17 yrs. ago. I knew then that it was the answer for me, but insurance turned me down.

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

I did not have too much trouble. My co. simply wanted to see medical evidence of "physician directed" weightloss attempt for at least 6 consecutive months.

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

My first visit was incouraging. Dr. Greene is very supportive. I would say to a new person that you will be hearing alot of medical terminology. Dont let it scare you. You WILL NOT understand it all at first.The support group and the internet were my best resources for knowledge.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The chance to live a normal/ active life permanently.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Greene only does the proced. 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 am always afraid of dying when I am put under anesthesia. It has not ever STOPPED me before. I wont let it now. The benefits far outweigh the risks IN MY MIND. I NEED to take this risk. I cant live this way anymore.

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 is scared. They do not feel the surgery is necessary. They are still supporting my decision.

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

Have not given them specifics. I might when I return. I might not. Ill decide then. I have taken 3 weeks off. My doc. recomended four. I have the option to ammend my leave while Im off.

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

My stay was what I expected. You never are comfortable in the hospitol. I never feel as though the care is adequate. The nurses were nice though. They seemed to feel compasionate when you saw them. I was there for 2 days. I had surg. on Thurs afternoon, went home Sat morning.

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

NONE

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 very scared. I definately had mixed emotions about the risks involved with the surgery. I have two young daughters and the thought that I was choosing to have a surgery that could cost me my life was hard to justify. I had to keep reminding myself of the danger I faced everyday by being so obese. I had a will made up before surgery, and spent every minute with my kids.THen I put my fears in the back of my mind, and my life in Gods and Dr. Greenes hands.

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

I seemed to be starving most of the time. The liquid diet was simply not doing it for me. I believe though that it is necessary, and you should just "suffer" through it. I tried too much too fast and got sick every time. Throwing up became part of eating for me. Definately my fault. Listen to your Docs advice. I also felt very tired most of the time. I didnt expect that. I was worried that I couldnt get enough fluid in. This period passes before you know it!

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

about 15 miles

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 beginning I could not tolerate ANY sugar and not too many carbs. I havent had too much problem with any particular foods. I have done well with meat. I really try to stay away from the high carb foods like breads, pastas, rice etc.. If I go much above the 30 gram mark, I get very upset stomach. I really havent had too much trouble with food. I stay away from the tougher meats. They seem to upset my stomach.

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

I have been very active since 5 days post op. I was walking my daughter to school ( just under a mile) since then. I feel great

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

I take: two High potency over the counter vitamin/mineral one potassium pill one Vitron C one B100 one Nexium one Biotin ( for hair loss)

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?

vomiting ( for the first two-three months) Nausea - still Hair loss has become very noticable in the 4th -5th month. Have started taking Biotin

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

THe pre-op testing and appointments/waiting for the process to happen

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

Dr Greene has a support group that meets in person and is also available on line in the Yahoo Groups

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

practically non-existant. ( 5 little holes) No- I expected worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed down to about 1 pound a week. I am only 5 mos. post op though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

absolutely. No one seems afraid to talk to me in stores, people even initiate conversation. Some people watch me like an experiment.(c0-workers)