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

There was an article in our local paper about the surgery and it really interested me, so I made an appt. with the doctor and went to him and he was great. He explained everything and answered all my questions and when he was finished I was ready to have it done, right then.

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 any problems with my insurance. The forms for approval where turned in on 2/6 and on 2/28 the surgery was approved.

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

The first meeting was a general overview of the surgery with several other patients. We got a chance to ask questions and the doctor explained the surgery, risks, complications, etc. Then he spoke with each of us individually and addressed our needs. When you go to the first meeting have several questions prepared to ask. Chances are if you want to know the answer there are others there too who have the same questions. Don't be shy, no questions are dumb or stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was having some high blood sugar reading and high blood pressure readings and I didn't want to have to insulin or meds for either. So I knew it was time to take hold and do something positive in my life, if I wanted to live a long life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time my doctor only did the open RNY. Besides that was the procedure he preferred.

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 didn't have any fears. I knew this was the right thing to do and I just kept a positive attitude. If someone is having doubts or fear maybe they should reexamine the reasons for the surgery and make sure they are doing it for the right reasons.

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 my parents were against it, but they went to their family doctor and talk to him about it and he explained it to them and assured them it was something good and would be very beneficial to me. After talking to them they were very supportive and I even stayed with them for a week after I got out of the hospital. Since I live alone they didn't want me to go straight home from the hospital and have to be alone.

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

My boss and co-workers have been very supportive and still are. When I told my boss about the surgery he was all for it and encouraged me to have it done. Since I have a desk job I just took two weeks off from work. That was plenty of time and I was ready to come back.

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

I stayed in the hospital 4 days. ETMC Tyler was very good. The nurses on the floor were trained in this type of surgery, so they knew just what to do. I think the most important thing to bring is your pillow. Hospital pillows are not comfortable.

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 anxious to have the surgery, but I don't think it really hit me until the morning I was going to the hospital then I got a little nervous. I dealth with it by telling myself this was the right thing to do to get myself healthy again.

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

My first weeks at home I was a little sore and trying to adjust to foods again. I think post-op patients should concentrate on getting their strength back, learning what to eat and how much and dealing with the new you.

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

I had my surgery in my home town.

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.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. There hasn't been anything that I can't eat, just not the quantities that I should to eat. High contents of sugar bother me now, but that's good I don't need it anyway. My taste have changed. Some of the things I used to like, I don't like anymore.

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

Started out slow, but now I can walk 30 minutes on the treadmill before having to stop.

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

Lifeforce BodyBalance-liquid and two Tums everyday.

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?

Dumping is the worse. I just have to ride it out for about 30 minutes. I get it when I eat too fast or too much. I'm still learning about that.

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

The drainage tube that was in after the surgery. That was not a pleasant thing.

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

My doctor has a support group that meets every month. They can very helpful. Information is always good.

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

My scar is about 6-8 inches crosswise on my stomach. It's not as bad as I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I sometime hit a plateau on losing weight, but then I will catch up next week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they look at you differently. When people see me that haven't seen me in a while, they really look at you funny.