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

My orthopedic surgeon said I needed a total knee replacement, but I needed to lose about 100 pounds or it would not be successful. I went to my doctor and she recommened the surgery and put the request in. It was approved and everything went rather fast. I was scared, being cut open should be scarey. Knowing the limitation that would be put on my eating sounded tough, but it wasn't, that was the easy part, I didn't want to eat. The pain was the worse part for me. I was scared because this was a big step, and I didn't want to fail. They have everything planned out and are ready for you whether you think you need their help or not. It's very well organized and the people working with you are top notch.

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

Judy in Dr. Zahn's office did all the work on my insurance paperwork. She was excellent.

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

I was scared, but the 1st meeting was a group setting. He sounded so sure of himself, A way I haven't felt in a long time. I didn't know if he was arrogant or just self-assured.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was getting worse, I couldn't walk without extreme fatigue, my face turning beet red, and being short of breath. I have several medical problems and losing the weight hasn't cured them, but has made them more bearable and given me a better outlook and more self-esteem.

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?

There is the possibility of death every time you get out of bed, drive a car, or do just about anything. We don't live in a safe world anymore. this was an informed decision made my me and I had faith it was the right one. It was.

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 somewhat supportive. They didn't know anything about the procedure and were worried, but they knew it was something I needed to do for my health and self-confidence.

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

I wasn't at work, I was on disability. I didn't have to go through the 20 questions with fellow employees or a boss.

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

Just something comfortable to wear if you don't wear the hospital gown and some comfy slippers. St Likes was wonderful, the nurses were great and when I asked for more pain medication, I got it. They know it's painful and they are there to make you comfortable. The food was less than great, but that's what got me therein the 1st place, so I didn't complain.

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

I had to wear a drainage bag for a month. It stunk and the fluid in it was really gross looking, but I didn't go anywhere but to see Dr. Zahn for the 1st month, so I coped.

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 scared, but I was so glad the surgery was over and I wanted to lose weight and feel better. After 9 months, I do.

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

Pain, I don't care what anyone says, there will be pain. But after 9 months, I can honestly say it was the most deserved pain I've ever had. It was worth it.

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

I only traveled 14 miles. The only problem I had was getting to a support group meeting. My son and his wife lived with me and both worked. They didn't have a car, so they used mine 6 days and nights a week. I couldn't make the meeting or groups and I wish I had.

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.

You are on liquids for a few months then soft foods. Before the surgery I could eat anything, after anything with a jello consistency made me gag. Sweets are a no no, but after the surgery, trying to even eat a pice of chocolate maked me sick and I'm glad, I was a chocolate addict for years. I have never been able to eat spicey food and still can't. I eat 4-6 ounces every 5 hours and I went from 315 pounds to 190 in 9 months. If I miss a meal, I do try to eat the next one too fast and will get sick, You can not overeat, you will get sick.

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

Since i have so many medical problems, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, etc., any activity was painful, I did what I could, I never pushed myself because I would pay for it with sore joints and bone pain.

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

Multi-Vitamins, Calcium with D (recently I started Liquid Calcum Carbonate) It's OTC and about $12.00 for a months supply at Cigna. I am also on extra Iron. your body doesn't absorb the same things and you will be tested regularly and put on supplements if needed. Dr. Zahn is very good about that.

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?

About 3 months after the surgery I had hair falling out a lot, so I had my hair cut real short. It's thickened now and the hair loss has stopped. Nausia was the worse for me, I also have GERD and gastrititis which didn't help any. Since the surgery, my GERD and gastritis have improved.

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

The pain. You think it will never end, then you wake up one day and there is no pain. What a wonderful day that is.

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

My scar is lumpy but smooth. I have had a lot of surgeries and some of my scars are invisible, some aren't. I didn't have any expectations about the scar, it's appearance means little compared to losingthe weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely. When I cashed a check, they looked at my driver's license and said this isn't you, made me feel great. I tell everyone about the surgery, I don't try and keep it a secret. My own family even sees me differently.