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

I went blind in Dec 99 and was diagonised with psuedotumor cerbri, in June of 2000 I had a programmabel shunt put in to take the pressure off my optic nerve and regained my sight. The wonderful Dr. refered me to have the gastric bypass at that time. My insurance would not cover no matter what, I did several appeals, even hired an attorney. In Jan of this year I was able to change insurance and did. I had my surgery 8/5/02....I had lots of time to research this and am so glad I did. I really knew what to expect. There are a few things, I really thought would not be hard and they are, I have a hard time eating slow and not drinking while I eat.

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

I checked into the hospital at 7:30 AM on Monday 8/5/02 had my surgery around 10:00 and went home on Wed 8/7 at about 10:00 am I had my surgery at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix AZ, and everyone there was wonderful, very careing people. My Dr. is the best Dr. Swain came to see me twice a day and also his assistant. I would recomend them to everyone in the world. I only took my clothes and tooth brush. I had lap and was up that night walking and walking the next day, went home on the 2nd day after surgery, so no need for much

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?

I did great until 8/28, at this time my doctor said add soft food. I did only I ate too fast and got sick....REALLY SICK, thru up several times until he said I needed to slow down on the bites and chew chew chew. I was doing the chewing, just taking my bites too soon. I changed that and have had NO problems since. I am now 8 weeks out and doing great. 65 lbs gone forever

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

I was off work until the 4th os Sept (one month) I was able to take care of myself, cooked my family meals everyday from day one. Had no pain, just a little tired. I took a nap everyday from 1 to 1/2 hrs in the afternoon. I was feeling great.

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

Just across town, 20 min drive

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.

At first it was liquid, we all know what that is, then they added soft food, like mashed potatoes, sugar free jello and pudding. Then I adden meat and vegetables, by week 5 I added fruit and cheese and jerky. I ate beans and cheese, grilled chicken, ground beef, pasta, green beans, squash, cooked spinach, beans ( red,kidney,pinto, refried) chees, enchiladas, rice potatoes, carrotts. The only thing I have not added yet is lettuce, the doctor said to wait until this Week, so I will have salad today ( we are celebrating my daughters birthday) I can eat what ever, just such a small amount. I love fish, tuna and have them almost everyday, on one or two crackers. Every day gets better. I also drink 3 glasses of skim milk a day, and 2 glasses of V_* everyday in addition to a gallon or more of water. I have added crystal light ( really dont like it) but it is something different. I have decalf. green tea every morning with 1/2 slice of peanut butter toast, on multi grain bread. I have to take the pealing off all my fruit, cant do skin yet. I eat everything, just some slower than others.

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

The first week home I just walked about 3 block and was tired. I added a block everyday, and now 8 weeks out I walk 3 miles 2 times a day. I swim everyday and do water arobics.

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

The doctor had me add 2 multi vitamins and 2 calcium pills

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?

Only had the trouble starting on the 28th of vomiting and was able to get tha under control after 5 days, had to learn to eat even slower. That was the only problem so far

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

I really miss Food.....I love food, it is really had to not eat like I use too. I get better each day. When I get upset I always went to food now I just go walk......That helps....It is a whole new life style for us and takes getting use to it. I have not been hungery yet, so that part is great. I would love a vanilla coke......but no no no

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

I am very lucky I have my support group with Mayo we meed every 3rd Sat of each month. It is a wonderful group of people plus we have either Dr. Swain there or Dr. Rouste and they can help with any questions we have. I also belong to a support group in east-valley here in Arizona, it is a group of people who have had various surgeons, but we all live in one part of town. It is a little more informal and is headed my an RN who also has had the surgery. We really learn a lot at this group and have a clothing exchange every get together. We meed every other Wed night. I really love this group. I am also on line with 5 support groups and this really helps. Support groups are a MUST.......

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

I had lap, so I have 6 little scars and 3 are already where you can hardly see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The young people I work with just say wow and say I have a lot more energy, but not really much else, people at work tell me everyday how great I look.