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

In 1984 I learned that my boss had had bariatric surgery but it hadn't worked all that well for her. I was not interested at that time.

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

I had Medicare and my only problem was finding a surgeon who accepted it.

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

I met him at a seminar and he was very informative. To get the mostout of the meeting write down any questions you may have. Don't try to rely on your memory.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have tried anything and everything to lose weight. Some worked for a while and others not at all.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I realized that with as much weight as I need to take off, I needed something that would have built-in guards. I chose the open RNY.

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 thought that if I died in surgery at least I died trying to get better. Also I wouldn't know it. If it is your time to go it doesn't matter what you are doing.

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 very supportive and still are. Some of my friends were nervous about it but are very supportive now.

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

I have been disabled because of my weight.

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 went in on Wednesday morning and was released on Saturday afternoon. I think chapstick and lotion are the most important things to bring. Most other stuff is provided for you.

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

My only complication was an infection in my incision. Antibiotics and frequent dressing changes too care of the problem.

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 so thrilled that there was really no anxiety. I never got nervous or worried.

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

My incision was a little sore but nothing I couldn't tolerate. I expected to be sore so I just accepted it and did what I could.

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

I only had to go about 15 miles and my aftercare has been wonderful.

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.

One morning I ate some egg salad and later that night it made me very nauseated. I don't want to try sugary things because I don't need them and I hate being sick. I get sick if I eat too fast or take to big of a bite.

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

In the hospital it was hard to walk because I ahd gained 10 lbs. in water weight. Once I got home I started walking more. The farther out I am the more I can do.

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

I take childrens chewables with iron (2 a day), 2 Citrical daily and B12 once a week. The B12 is a nasal injection.

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?

The only side effect for me is nausea if I eat too fast or take too large of a bite. I try very hard not to do either.

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

Getting my pcp to help me. I had to get a different pcp or I still would be waiting.

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

I am part of an ObesityHelp support group in Belleville, Il. I think it is very helpful and important to know that there are others who can help you and who need your help in this process.

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

My scar had to be reopened so it is pretty nasty. I don't care becayse the surgery was worth anything I had to put up with.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At about 4 weeks out my weight loss slowed a little.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am only 7 weeks out but my family and friends notice a difference and say so.