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

I found out about the procedure via the internet- I knew it was my salvation

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

I had no problem getting the approval - it took a medical necessity letter, but nothing else.

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

He walked in the room, introduced himself, then asked me one question, "Do you eat too much, or do you eat too many sweets" That was it. No info on the procedure whatsoever.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to lose the weight

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt know there were different procedures, the surgon just said he would do the VBG.

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 no fears or concerns about the surgery.

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?

They all said I shouldn't do it. I did anyway, they are supportive.

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

My supervisor was supportive. I have been out of work five weeks, and am going back on Monday Nov. 20. 2000

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

I was int he hospital 4 days. The first two days were very painful - the third and fourth not as much.

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

I have experienced an infection an the incision site and continuous pain. I can hardly sit up at times and must roll out of bed. It has been awful.

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 have been in pain. My stomach muscles are so sore.

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

You will need help- I had a home health nurse which my insurance paid for. I still have problems sitting up - but the nurse is gone. I take alot to tylenol.

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

15 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.

I have no problem with cereal in the morning. Lunch usually soups- and dinner mashed potatoes and chicken.

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

I am still very sore- my activity level is 3 on a scale of 10

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

none

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?

As I have indicated, I am in continuous pain.

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

The pain I am still in.

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

I have no affiliatin with any group.

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

The scar starts at the xiphoid process and extends two inched below the belly button. I was not expecting such a large incision.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.