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

I found out about stomach stapling first, I checked it out but insurance didnt cover it. Then a few years later I checked into banding and again the insurance didnt cover it. Then November 2002 I checked into lap and the insurance approved it, I was shocked and soo excited. I do believe this was the right surgery for me.

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

Your medical provided practically knows what insurance covers and the steps to take if they dont.

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

My first visit was informative about the surgery and the doctor said he could help me. Ask alot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was at my all time high in weight 308 pounds. I was looking at having hip & knee problems and I was starting to breath very heavily. It was get this surgery or be facing 4 others and maybe heart attack or diabitous in the future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only procedure my doctor layed out to me.

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?

My fears were based on a previous surgery I had, I had a hystorectomy (spelling) and when they tipped me back I stopped breathing and all the bells and whistles went off, as my doctor told me, I scared him. What I would tell other people is to trust your doctor, I did.

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 and friends were skeptical. My sister still thinks she is worried about future complications. All are supportive except my skeptical sister, which dissapoints me.

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

I told my employer that I was having acid reflux surgery, I really kind of was because my doctor told me that the surgery would get rid of this problem. I am to be out of work 3 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was a pleasant one, I was there for 3 days, the most important thing to bring is chap stick.

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

None

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 excited and nervous. I tried not to think of it too much.

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

Only one of my incisions out of 5 was sore, the one on my left side of my stomach and my ribs were bruised. People should expect to be in a little bit of tolerable pain and to sleep the first few days that you are home.

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

Madison is about 45 minutes away from our home. This is a little difficult for my after care but it is not too bad.

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.

I got home from the hospital and didnt want anything to do with food. My husband fixed my meals for me which consisted of 3 things per meal (ex. breakfast, Malt O Meal with choc protein powder, scrambled egg and fruit)all either blended or well chewed. Now, I still eat blended foods, but have added cheerios, tried popcorn (stay away from that) and have also tried a craving Pizza (not worth it). I sip on water throughout the day and try to drink protein drinks between meals.

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

I am now 13 days post and I still am not doing too much, but I do walk every day, do some laundry.

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

I take Flinstones vitamins twice a day and I also take Tums EX 3 times a day, I try to get in a least 2 protein drinks a day.

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?

None

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

The worst part is that incision on the left side hurt but in time it will decrease.

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

There are meetings in Madison once a month for people who are pre and post to the surgery. I havent attended one yet because the first one I knew of was the evening of my surgery. Hopefully I will attend in April.

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

I have 5 little incisions about 1/2 inch long. Yes, this is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I weighed myself everyday being very dissapointed and on the 11th day post I have lost 20 pounds which was very exciting.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my husband he is all over me!