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

Someone gave me a brochure from Dr. Fobi's office back in 1987.

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 good, the nursing staff was well-trained in bariatric nursing, and gave me excellent care. i was in intensive care 1 1/2 days and in a private room for 4 days. The most important thing to bring for me, was my significant other--he was a rock of support and caring for me! Also, for females, bring your own napkins, because the stress of the surgery will almost certainly cause you to start your period, and the hospital ones are horrid!

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

No complications other than an initial high blood pressure which they got under control within a day.

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 sore, mostly because I also had a panneculectomy (apron removal) at the same time. My husband was very supportive and helpful and that, plus Dr. Fobi and his staff's willingness to answer all my questions day or night was a great help.

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

You will be very sore, and tired, and you MUST follow Dr.'s orders about eating to the letter or you'll be very sorry!!! Take it very easy, but try to walk as much as you can tolerate each day--it will speed your recovery and prevent blood clots. Day by day, you'll feel better and better, just remind yourself that you wont hurt forever, it WILL get better and you'll be glad you did it as you watch the weight melt off.

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

860 miles! There was a closer Dr., but I wanted Dr. Fobi because he is the best. I got good aftercare from a gastroentologist in my ciy, and returned for my 1 year checkup to Dr. Fobi's office. My test results were faxed to his office and his staff followed up on mu progress with regular phone calls to me.

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.

It's different for each patient, but i started with pureed foods, and gradually went to soups, soft foods, fish and chicken cooked well, mushy veggies, etc. By the 2nd month, I could eat most foods in tiny amounts. Red meats still give me trouble unless they are the better cuts and cooked long and slowly. too much sugar still makes me very sick, and too much fat gives me the runs.

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

None up here,although I want to start a group in Redding. I keep in touch with Dr. Fobi's patient counselor and plan on returning for my 2 year checkup in June of 2000. I have regular blood tests to monitor my nutrition levels and general health through my personal physician, who is a gastroentoligist.

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

It goes from my navel up about 10 inches. It isn't bad looking, although it is still light pink.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and have been on an extended plateau for the past 6 months. I seem to plateau every 6 months now, and expect to start losing again in the near future.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I don't get stares, rude looks or remarks, and people smile at me, but perhaps that is because I smile at people myself now. I have more friends and am included in more social activities.