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

a friend told me about it and I did research through obesityhelp.com

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

Was denied twice and my surgion handled it for me.

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

Very enlightening. I took family with me and we talked to alot of people who had the surgery. I was prepared with questions and took pen and paper so I wouldn't forget anything

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health issues and the fact that I felt like I was no longer living just existing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I research the surgeon and found one I was comfortable with and the procedure he advised was fine with me. I trusted him.

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 had alot of fears of dying but my doctor reassured me I was very confident in him.

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?

I talked with them for about a year before the actual surgery. They knew me and supported my decision and supported me during and after surgery to point that my sister took off work for 2 weeks and so did my mother. My best friend was there every minute that she wasn't at work. They continue to support me and every day make me feel wonderful. They are so proud of me.

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

I am retired but do elder care. I told them why I would be out and elderly people don't do well with change. They felt it was too extreme. But it wasn't their choice. I was out for 8 weeks.

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

The hospital was a disappointment to me. I was there 10 days after surgery and my family stayed at the hotel in the hospital (Thank God) The nursing staff was terrible. My family had to do everything for me from help me get a bath to chaning my sheets. The most important thing I took was tongs and baby wipes. You can figure out the rest.

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

Yes. I went into respirtory distress and they had to stop the surgery because they thought I threw a blood clot. The waited two days and went back in to actual finish the surgery and the next day they overdosed me on morphine. Then three months later I got a preforation in my stomach lining.

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 a little nervous because any surgery is risky. But I wanted this more than anything.

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

`I slept in the recliner for about 5 days. Took my time and took care of me. Concentrated on being carfule and healing. Don't do anymore than you are told and take time out for yourself

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

approx 2 hours from home. I always had someone that would go with me. Then a few months later my girlfriend had it done so we make appt. for the same time and go together. There are several people that live in the area that go to him. Ask your doctor to see if he knows anyone else from your area. you may be surprised

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.

soft foods at first, slowly introduce different foods no fruits at all can not do processed meats at all (luncheon meats, scrapple, hot dogs, or ground beef.

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

Increased from walking around in the house to walking around the house to walking down the street. At 6 weeks aqua arobic to a 4 days a week work out program

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

flintstone vitamins

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?

dumping still at 7 months post op. hair loss, increase vitamins eat protein first and use nioxon for my hair care.

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

insurance approval. But it is all worth it

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

I had my family. They were my angels. About 6 people would at one point or another be there to help me and I am incrediable grateful

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

It looks like a shark bite but it lightens and gets smaller as I get smaller.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely in everything I do in everyday of life