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

I had a friend that had it done several years ago and she said not to ever have it done. She lost all her weight but she ended up getting cancer and dying, not from the surgery though. I was scared for awhile and then got to reading up on it and knew that I wanted to go thur with it if it was the Lord's will. I was approved the 1st try and that was my answer.

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

My first visit with Dr. Huse was in a group setting at first and then we all met with him as individuals. He explained the different types of surgery and when I told him I was a sweet eater he said that the gystic by-pass was the best one for me. He wants you ask any questions that you may have and will take the time with you to discuss them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To try and have better health and to have a happy and long life the slim way. To have more self confidence about myself.

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

My hospital stay was fine. I had some very knowledgeable nurses and then a couple that just didn't understand the bariatric surgery. I was in the hospital for 8 days because I got an infection in my G tube.

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

I had hernia surgery 4 times after my WLS. I was alergic to the mesh that he put in and ended up having to have it all removed and left open to heal from the inside out. It was quite an ordeal. I had it done 1-25-01 and it took until the first of Aug, 2001 to close completely up.

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 excited and kept reading up on the WLS and kept busy,working, ect and the time flew by very quickly. I had placed this all in the Lord's hands so I knew this was the answer for me so I really didn't fell too anxious about it.

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

I had my husband here with me. He took a couple of wks off and done all the work around here, including fixing my meals and taking very good care of me. I could have never done this all alone and thank God for the wonderful man that I have.

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

I traveled about 75 miles for my surgery. I still went to my support meetings and all my appointments.

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 really has been too long for me to do this, but at this point I can tolerate anything that I want, only in a lot smaller portion than before.

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

It was slow, but I did start walking shortly after getting home, started out with a short distance and then up to a mile a day at one time. When Curves for Women opened in our town, I joined it and really enjoy it. I try to go everyday, except Sunday and if not every day at least 3-4 x's a wk.

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

I take a multi vitamin every day and Trinscon every day. That is my Iron and B12 vitamin.

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 can honestly say that I never had dumping until further out in my surgery.

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

Probably the worst part was the healing process. Just not being able to do the things that you want to do. Just sitting alot, and really taking care of yourself. Especially when you get to feeling good but still not able to do the things you want to do.

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

We have a support group that meets 3 times a month and it is very important to go to at least 1 a month. They are very helpful and will help you with any problem that you might be having.

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

My scar is approximately 4 inches long. He used the same scar every time for my hernia surgeries also. Yes I really expected it to be like this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several but because of the other surgeries and other personal problems, I wasn't able to exercise like I should have from the beginning.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, some people treat me better than when I was a lot heavier but for the most part, I am treated fine.