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

My girlfriend had the surgery in 1989. Later a close friend in 1997, then my mom in 1998. I have been aware of it for sometime. In 89 it sounded like the scariest surgery ever. She was cut from stem to stern, and had a long recovery period. In 98 my mom had the tiniest scares, and was home in a day. No complications, and she has never felt better

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

I found the surgeon and his office got approval on the first letter. There was no challenge. Once I had approval I was operated on within 2 months. It would have been sooner but my surgeon went on vacation for like 3 weeks. February was my first visit and my surgery was in May.

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

Great. I had two people very close to me that both had the surgery so I went in with lots of information. It was almost like I was telling him what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Like most of us, I just kept going up and up. I would like to have one more child and because of that I need to stay healthy and live a long life with my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor did only one so my choice was made before I knew it.

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?

NONE

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?

Very supportive!!

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

They only person at my job that knows what I had done is my HR person. I needed to have her involved due to the necessary paperwork. I have seen her once in 2 years.

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

I was in the hospital over night. I couldn't wait to get home. You know, you just can rest and get better in the hospital. I brought the basics with me. Health and beauty aids to shower or feel normal and a book to read. My hair is curly, but needs to be fluffed. I was in no mood to fluff so my head band was probably the most important item that I brought along.

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

The complicatons were not pain or suffering from the surgery. They were the I want to eat but everything makes me sick. How did I deal, I am still dealing. Like any addiction, its one day at a time.

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 am so much better. I have to remember to eat a little more slowly but for the most part I am well. I do have a queezy feeling when eating, always, but this to shall pass...I hope!

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

Tough! The surgery does not let you eat and initially you really just want to quench your thirst. While in the hospital I was only allowed water on sponges on a stick. I was totally thirsty! Your mind still wants to eat but your body can't. Not like before when you wrestled with eating now if you eat what you can't, your body lets you know pretty quick.

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

About 1 hour for both surgery and after care.

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.

In the beginning it was crackers, broth, and pudding. Soups worked really well. By the second week I was eating small (very small) pieces of chicken and mashed potatoes. Macaroni and cheese became a close friend. Now (6weeks) out I am trying more and more. Still, the softer and lighter the better. I can do a taco(soft), peanut butter toast, ceral, and Crystal Lite. I even had a few beers. Every day it is better.

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

Initially, I was tired from being put under. By day 3 I was up and doing house work. Oh Joy! By week 2 or 3 I was pushing my son's stroller up a hill and walking daily. I joined a tanning club to help my scars, and have been involved with that for about 3 weeks. The scars are still there but I feel great with a thinner body and a tan. Today (6weeks) out I purchase a bicycle and my husband is putting it together. I haven't been on a non-exercise bike in years, I can't wait.

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

I take a multi vitamin with minerals daily. No dietary supplements.

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?

Nausia, vomiting and dumping. When I eat something that doesn't agree the nausia comes right in to play. I get sweaty and my head starts to hurt. The only way to end that feeling is to get rid of it. I got to the bathroom and vomit. I am 6 weeks out and still this happens, almost at every meal. I don't like it but until things get better, I have to eat something, and I hope some of what I eat is staying in so I get some nutrition.

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

Being thirsty. I just wanted something to drink and I couldn't have it.

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

Just this web site. It is very important. Those first few days, weeks home, I needed to read about others and how they got through it.

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

No, my mom has one, I have four. My left side is the largest about 1 1/2 inches, one from my drain, one near my stomach and a small mark on the belly. I have been tanning to reduce them, who knows if it is working, but it is helping me feel great about myself. I get up early everyday, take my son to day care, and tan. It is really making me feel special.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had a little one last week. The scale did not move. Then all of a sudden I went down 5 pounds. Don't you love when that happens?

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband, who is extremely supportive, has concerns. When he hears me in the bathroom vomiting, he worries.