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

My Aunt had the surgery done approx. 25 years ago. And at the time I was having to help her recover from her surgery, changing the dressing and so on. I was only about 15 years old and I swore to myself and anyone that would listen that if I EVER let myself get in that bad of shape , JUST SHOOT ME. Well here I am.....go figure.

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

Just very very nerve racking..... Keep on them , as often as you can.

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

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS. My meeting could have went better if I had been better prepared. But, that is why it is important to have a staff like Dr. Shina's to answer all your questions at the drop of a hat!!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was not a choice for me, rather a medical necessity.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

To my knowledge that is the only procedure he recomends. RNY

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 kind of nervous at 1st, but they soon came around once they realized that it had to be.

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

My employer wished me luck and kissed my goodbye!!! I am still on disibility (since May of 2001) for another reason, but will be returning in May of 2002.

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

My hosp. stay was as good as could be, they were very attentive to my needs. I was there just as Dr. Shina predicted--5 days. It would be very important to bring lots of reading material, puzzles, and if your into it--games.

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

NO COMPLICATIONS AT ALL , I actually wonder why I waited so long to have this done. unfortunatly, I have now developed a ventral hernia. My fault, probably did too much too fast.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

LIFE GOES ON AND ON AND ON. There are worse things in life to have to deal with.

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

VERY SORE, however Dr. Shina makes you very comfortable with medication if thats what you choose. Be careful and not overdue it. That will be easy to do , because you feel so much better so fast.

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

I live in Louisville , and Dr. Shina just happens to have an office in Louisville. Aftercare was not a problem at all.

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.

Not much to say here, simply for the fact that he put me on a high protein diet, MEAT, MEAT AND MORE MEAT. I can have a spoonful of peanut butter every other day or so, and an egg as well. But he says that since I can't eat much anymore (3 oz. per meal, 3 times per day) all that goes in has to be protein. This must continue until I have lost all of my goal weight. It has been 9 months since my surgery and I have lost 94 pounds, and the meat does get quite boring, but I must stick to it. OR ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!

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

My level of activity was not horrible in the beginning like it is for some, however, I did find it very hard to do alot of walking, in the beginning a good walk thru Wal-mart was exhausting. Now I am an active member of the YMCA and wald on the tredmill at a speed of 6-7 mph and a total of 2-3 miles per trip. I also ride a stationary bike for 4 miles. I go to the 'y' 4 times a week. I'm proud of myself!!!!

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

I take Tums and a Flintstone vitimin daily. And Dr. Shina has me on Prevacid and an Iron pill once a day....that would be all.

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?

Nausea, persisted for me about 1 month off and on, but that was it. I was prescribed a pill for nausea which took care of that.

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

Frankly, the worst part is now, this hernia, and having to have that repaired, everything else has been a breeze.

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

Right-Weigh support group are very capable of helping you with any questions or problems you may have, along with Dr. Shina's staff.

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

My scar is just below the breast bone and extends down to my navel. I was lucky enough that he did not to have to go around navel. Dr. Shina made it very plain to me what to expect. NO SURPRISES!!!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Before I joined the YMCA I felt as tho I was not loosing like I should be I discussed this with him and that is what he suggested, water sports is a great thing.!!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I think I do, more respect. Thats a shame.