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

My family doctor.

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

Just beginning that part: I called my insurance co ,Cigna and told then I was having the surgery and then open what they call a precert to the surgery.Igav ethen list of diagnoses. Surgeon's name, adn that heis office who be doing the pre cert letter. His office sent the pre cert info and 2 weeks later I alled to see if the surgery was authorized. It was. I had the surgery as scheduled. You pay for this insurance it is you responsiblity to see that the wheels of the process roll smoothly. Do not rely on doctor's office. Some office personnel do not care about the total pt needs(insurance) as mine did.YOu will be stuck with the balance..

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

Fantastic, bring your questions written down and explore the answers yourself.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to have a new beginning.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After hearing about the various procedures, I concluded my doctor's choice was the correct one.

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?

None. I am at peace with all the aspects of the surgery. Death is not a fear for me. Being overweight and sick all the time is a fear.

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 limited family is supportive. True friends were also...

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

Enjoyable cast of great staff. Had the surgery 3/20/02.Went home 3/24/02. A robe,footwear,and a postive mind set commitment to recovery..

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

Not really. In the hospital I did great. I recommend having the epidural for pain management. I had no pain...I think that contribute to the great recovery time I had.. I followed Dr Synder's instructions how & what to eat...and in 6 wekks began eating normal foods within reason. By six months,negative results: a lactose intolerance, vinegar, bell papers, hot spices, no more fried foods... I just learned to eat right and stay away from the things that caused vomiting....What choice do you have? That's why it works.

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

No anxiety..Just wanted to be losing more weight... I have lost slowly--10-12 pounds a month. But I feel great.. The most inportant thing to take is your suppliments. If you do not already take any ask your docotr especially if you are still feeling fatiqued....I have a B-12 & iron deficiency, taking them makes all the difference in the day...

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

Crowded--friends & family...everywhere..Expect adjustment,adjustment.....Pre-Planning is everything...

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

In town-6 miles from home. NOPE.

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.

See ? 12

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

Slow..for about 3 weeks then each new day a little more active...Listen to your body...

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

B-12.. plus One a day vit., iron.

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 have reactive hypoglycemia so dumping was not fun. But I have managed to behave myself diet-wise and find out what caused the dumping. Hair loss_ still having some. Had to cut my really long hair to chin length. It helped.

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

Waiting to have it.Both the 6 months before & the time in pre op-surgery...where you are waiting to go in...

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

I work with 4 other ladies wh have had the surgery so we are sort of our own group. I have had so little personal ned for any other support.. My faith has seen me through.

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

Long(under breasts to naval) and pink. Yeap.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just hit 6 months post-op. I have found I anxious to lose more wieght than my body thinks it should so I have started to do exercise moving, building a deck,etc...on Saturdays. It has helped...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They are praising me for my efforts.