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

My cousin had the surgery done and I was so inspired by what I was seeing in her weight loss it was remarkable. I was so impressed I started doing all the research on it that I could. I would ask as many questions about it thatI could think about.

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

The insurance was actually pretty good beleave it or not,My family doctor worked with me writing letters and any other doctor like my knee surgeon, my therapist, and anyone who could send them letters did. I was approved on my first letter (call) from my surgeons office.

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

My first visit was kinda scarry, I didnt want to say the wrong thing to make it so I couldnt have the surgery. My surgeon is very conscious of how well you are willing to work for this surgery,and what you are gonna do before,during,and after the surgery. He makes sure you know what is involved,whats expected etc.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

As I said in the first question,I made up my mind after being diagonosed with diabeties,high bloodpressure, and having to have two knee surgerys.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon kinda decided that, he knew what was gonna work the best for me.

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 really didnt have any fears I knew I was in the best of hands, and if it was my time to go then the good lord above knew what to do. I would tell other people to put everything in the lords hands.

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 husband and daughter was great, very supportive about all of it, went to support groups with me etc. My son onthe other hand was against it, he felt that God made me the way I was and I shouldnt mess with that. My friends were about equal, some was happy about it and knew how badly I wanted it,and others were thinking I was crazy,for going thru such a drastic life change.

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 very supportive about it, my asst. supervisor had something simular done she had the stomach stapleing done so she was a little worried that I didnt know what I was in for, but she soon came around and became very supportive for me. There was another bus driver that had it done that I worked with and she was alot of support to me.

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 great, I was there for four days, Monday I had surgery,Thursday I was released. My second day was Hell and there is no other word for it.I was having sever spasms in my incision,but as soon as I got up and walked they got better. I had wonderful nurses,they were all supportive,do as they say and you will get out quicker,they know what they are talking about. Dont feel sorry for yourself, the pain will get better. I brought my own nightie,my own shampoos,toothbrush&paste,I brought a cd player and some of my favorite cds,and a good book or crosswords to do.

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

The only trouble I had was the spasms in my incision, they put me on valume at 2am then by 10am I was up walking and they got better.

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 so excited, I couldnt wait, then the Monday before my surgery(Friday) I got a call saying they had to postpone my surgery because my blood work came back abnormal. I was so disappointed, I cryed all day. With in a few weeks we got the problem under control and they reschelduled me and I had it done with in days.

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

My first day home, I went outside and walked around my yard,Make sure you wear your binder at all times. Follow the diet plan, you wont have anytrouble if you follow exactly what they say. My first night I couldnt sleep in my own bed and I was down from that I ended up sleeping half the night on the couch and half the night in a recliner. The second night I was in my own bed. Move around even if its in your house, walk as much as possible. I recommend this highly.

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

I had to go approx. 40 miles to have my surgery, the ride home was a little rough, all the construction made every bump worse. I would suggest to have whom ever brings you home to make sure you have a pillow to push against you evertime you feel a bump. My hubby for got mine. I know it would have made the ride easier.

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 followed the diet to a t, my first three weeks. then the fourth week I have experienced a little more.

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

My activity level was good, I may have pushed my self a little more than most do, I have a high pain tolerance, and that is what is gonna effect you. I do to this day still need to take a nap at least once a day.Iam going back to work after four weeks. I drive school bus.

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

I started with childrens vitamins 2 daily, I just started with my adult vitamins that I get from my surgeons asst., they are a little expensive $30.a month for 3 bottles of different ones but they desolve easily. So its worth it to me. Istarted my B-12 shots this week, and My Iron which is really important.

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 have only vomited twice and that because I didnt chew my food well enough. I have been really lucky so far.

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

The horriable second day. They dont lie when they say you will question yourself on why you did this.

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

I go to the circle of friends support groups. They are very helpful before surgery and after wards. I recommend that everyone goes to them. If you have a question, someone there will have an answer.

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

My scar is longer than I expected, a friend had it done two weeks before me and hers was only 5 to 6 inches my ended up being closer to 8 to 10, they removed my gullbladder also during surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Iam in my fourth week and I havent lost any weight for two days so I know I need to up my protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes