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

I seen an advertisement on Tv for Dr Olchowski and wrote his number down. Then did alot of research and questioning myself was I that weak of a perosn that I couldn't control this on my own. I found out I wasnt alone in this world. I thought at first I was crazy to do this but I wasnt!!!

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

I didn't have insurance so that was one thing that I was scared of. I went through VR and they were so helpful in this decision also.

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

I was full of questions...what if and how long and does this really work and so on and so on. the same questions everyone has. Am I going to die?

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was up to 330 lbs and I had to do something or was going to eat myself to death. I know it sounds terriable but thats where I was heading. My little girl is the most important thing to me and I wasn't able to play with her and i felt bad. Not only physical but mentaly I was getting worse too. I had to do something or I was going to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Olchowski recomended it and I talked to a few people who have had it and I was very pleased!

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 was scared about dieing....but if I had of stayed at 335 lbs I would have died. I had complete faith in my Dr and I prayed for him and me and everything turned out great. One other fear I had was I wasn't able to take care of my daughter after surgry and I was scared that we would lose our bond. We didn't we actually are closer now...

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...lol They thought I was crazy. My dad told me to get a Richard Simmons tape...lol If Richard simmons came and lived with me the rest of my life maybe it would have worked.

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

Was not working at the time. If I had of been not sure if I would have told them the whole truth....maybe gallblader surgry or something

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

the first two days I really dont remember much... I was very happy to get up and moving....which for me was a meaning of going home sooner. I stayed almost 5 days....make sure you bring a brush....the hair gets very messed up while you are knocked out with the morphine....lol

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

No complications 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?

I actually felt wonderful when I got home....the only thing i was scared of was doing something to mess it up....kinda still scared so I am very careful....

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

First week I had pain and felt tired. I slept in th recliner as it was easier to get up and down....with help ofcourse. Scared of eating and had dry mouth. Second week had some more energy and wanted to start doing things around the house but knew i had to take it easy. To tell you the truth I was feeling really good considering the operation I had. I mean with my knee surgry I was in pain for a long time. This was different.. I don't know if it was because I wanted this and knew the great out come I was going to get.

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

It was only an hour away and the aftercare was no problem.

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.

chicken, pork really any meats didn't agree with me....I only got sick a few times but that was enough to let me know not to eat it again for awhile....I can eat some meats now but still hurt some....I am now more concous what I eat and how I eat....I actually have to make sure I eat....

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

My activity level grew. I never was able to walk without getting t of breath but that changed. I had more energy then I knew what to do with. I found myself planning to do things as before I put off things.

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

I take a childrens chewable vitamin, B12, protien pills, iron pill and 3 or 4 extra strength tums 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?

I only got sick a few times that was when I tried eating pork and chicken. Now 2 years later I still get nausia when I eat the meats so I try to eat tuna,eggs for my protien. Hair loss was a big deal for me.....I lost over half of my hair even eating my protien and when I had my first hair cut after the first year[I was scared to get it cut as I thought I would be bald...lol} My hair grew back curly..looks like i have a perm now. My sleep has changed.....there are times I dont sleep much. Now 2 years after surgery I can tell when I don't eat right cause my hair falls out again.....I didn't have the dumping much but when I did I knew that I would never eat or drink it again....lol...didn't like that feeling..

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

The worst part about having this surgery is that I didn't have eralier....lol...no really I didn't have any complications and I am glad that I had choosen to have it and would do it again in a heart beat.

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

the only support I have had is my family until I met Dot and Sheila online....I was having trouble getting to group meetings ....as they were an hour away and the time factor....but we are having our first this Aug and can't wait to meet everyone. There is one person that I want to thank and he doesnt live close to me but he has given me so much support and showed me that I was able to be the real Lisa. {SHMILY}

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

My scar isn't as bad as I thought it would be....but I really am not concerend with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had only one plateau and that was after the first year I didn't loose any weight for a few weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people give me more respect now. Alot of people act differnt towards me now also. I am still the same person just smaller.