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

Dr. Duncan told me about it in 1999. I read up on it and chickened out. Then realized one of my friends at church had it done and looked and felt great.

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

Everything went smoothly. I was approved in 24 hours.

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

It was very comfortable. It was a group meeting. Got to meet the doctors and others finding out about this surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was time to make this change. I am so happy I did.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor advised me on this.

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?

I did have fears at first but I got a great peace about this. I knew it was the right thing for me. Pray about it.

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?

Everyone was so positive about the surgery. They have been great afterwards as well.

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

My boss was supportive of my decision. I was only out of work 2 weeks.

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

My hopstial was fine. They Nursing staff was shorthanded but over all it was good. I was there only 24 hours.

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

no

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 prayed and read up a lot on this surgery.

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

I was sore for the first few days. Then I felt more like my self.

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

20 miles

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.

So far the only thing I have found I have trouble with is Lettuce. Orange Juice has given me a problem once. I drank to much and the sugar made dump.

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

I have done fine but I get tired in the afternoons. I need to take a few minutes to rest.

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

Iron, flinstone vit. (2) Calicum daily and B-12 shots once a month

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?

Food getting stuck from time to time makes me throw up. I just have to get it up and then I feel better.

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

Having the drainage tube out after surgery.

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

My doctor has started a support program. This is new to me and it so far has been helpful.

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

Very little to see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am still new so I haven't really hit one yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They all tell me how good I look. This is very helpful in this process.