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

My primary Dr. told me about the surgery. After a year of research, I finally decided that it was the light at the end of the tunnel. I was still nervous, but I am glad that I have chosen that option.

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 problems with MaxiCare

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

My first visit was mostly just informative. It gave me a lot of answers and they answered any questioins needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to do something before I became very unhealthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that the bypass was too radical and after discussing the procedures with family and close friends decided on the Vertical Ring Gastroplasty

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?

This was my first surgery, and I was very afraid of being put to sleep. It is very normal to be nervous, but what I have gained, even at 3 weeks post-op is worth the risks.

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?

Everyone I have met has been SOOOOOOOOOOOO Supportive!!!!!!!!!!

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

They were extremely supportive. I only missed two days of work because I had surgery during my two week Christmas Vacation.

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 pretty much a blur. I was in the Hospital for four days. Everyone was very nice, but with the pain killers I don't remember much.

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

No complications thus far.

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 nervous, but I kept looking up information on the internet, and the more I learned, the less nervous I was.

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

I had trouble getting out of bed without a rail. I also did not eat much. I started walking more, and that really helped the pain.

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

5 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 am three weeks post-op. For the first six weeks I can have (all sugar free and fat free): oatmeal, eggs, cocoa wheats, yogurt, applesauce, sugar free pudding, instant mashed potatoes, custard, mozzarella cheese. I also have a protein shake (1packet sugar free carnation instant breakfast, 2 cups 1% milk and 1/2 cup fat free powdered milk) and four cups of milk per day. I also drink water and Crystal Light. I have not been hungry at all.

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

At 3 weeks post-op I am walking 40 minutes daily on a treadmill. I gradually worked up to this.

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

I drink a protein shake (1packet sugar free carnation instant breakfast, 2 cups 1% milk and 1/2 cup fat free powdered milk), 4 cups of milk, 2 children's vitamins, and a Pepsic AC Daily.

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 hardest thing was having to sleep on my back instead of my side until I healed enough.

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

The post surgery pain.

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

I meet with a support group monthly. I have only been to one meeting at this time.

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

It is 4 1/2 inches. It looks very good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After the first two weeks in which I lost 23.8 pounds, I stopped losing for a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not Yet