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

A freind told me about it so I thought that I would just go listen to what Dr. Gorospe had to say. I was shocked at how impressed I was with him and his staff. My first impression was I don't think so, but that was changed very quickly.

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

I have United Healthcare and I really only had problems with them paying the Psycho Dr. The rest was smooth sailing for me.

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

I am a person who goes by their gut feeling and I instantly had a good feeling about Dr. Gorospe. The meeting was so informative and I made my decision right away. Just ask alot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided I would have this surgery during my visit with Dr. Gorospe and started making the plans.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really did alot of research and the RNY was the one I wanted.

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?

Oh I did have fears of dying. I have two teenage kids and was scared that something might happen and would they ever forgive me? But I just prayed about it and it was the right decision I believe for me.

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 have a big support system around me. Anyone who really cared about me was very supportive in my decision. It made it so easy for me.

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 very supportive and told me to take as much time as I needed. I was out for almost 7 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 fine. I was there 4 days and I just stayed in my hospital gown it was much easier with the IV's and all. Make sure and bring comfortable house slippers with rubber soles for walking. The hospital took care of all my needs.

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

None at all

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

There was a little depression at first, but it really did not last long at all. It was all a healing process and I just took it one day at a time. I tried to keep focused on feeling better and getting on my feet as soon as possible.

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

I did not travel at all. I had it done in the town I live in.

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.

Well of course I was on a clear liquid diet for almost 3 weeks. I then went to soft foods for 2 more weeks. At this point I stay away from foods high in fat and sugar, they do not settle well with me. I try different things in moderation. And I really try to stay with healthy foods and try to get as much protein in as I can.

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

I was really shocked at how much energy I had. Of course you are trying to get over having major surgery the first couple of months and I was pretty weak from that, but in all I felt pretty good.

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

I take 3 chewable Flinstone vitamins a day. I also take b-12, iron and viactive every day and I do drink a protein shake every 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?

I haven't had any hari loss, and I have expereinced nausia and dumping but I just lie down for about 30 minutes and sometimes go to sleep and I am fine. I cannot vomit when I get sick, but to me that is a blessing because it makes me choose my foods more carefully.

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

I have had back pain since my surgery and really that is my only complaint. I do believe that it is first of the surgery itself and then maybe the shifting of the weight as I lose it.

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

I go to Dr. Gorospe support meetings every month and I find that it is very helpful to talk to people who have been were you are and so on. We can ask questions and if you cannot think of what to ask then there are so many people there that usually someone will ask one that you need an answer for.

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

My scar has kiloed (spelling?) but that is not a big thing for me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateau and I did get a little depressed but I have such a great support system and I just keep on going. The end result is so wonderful and I feel so good right now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do notice that and it really is sad that people are nice to you when you are not so heavy. On the other had it is a good feeling too.