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

From my weight loss clinic. I had a lot of questions and knew i wanted to learn more.

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

Since I have all the co-morbs and am spending oodles of their $ on drugs to control them. I'm sure they were happy to see I would try to do something. I was approved after about 1 Week.

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

She was frank and caring, very informative. Write your questions down so you can take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All the lifestyle problems I have been having living with and trying to control my hypertension and diabetes and the other resultant problems I have had because of them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussion with the surgeon.

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 on my way out, as we all are, but I was determined to make it later rather than sooner. The good Lord is gonna be takin' you when he wants you this procedure can only make what life I have better.

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?

They wanted to know more, but I feel they trusted me and my goals through this.

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

I am losing 20 working days and should be taking off a lot less time in the future because of my increased health. My principal was concerned but supportive and I was sure to give him plenty of time to make provisions at school.

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

I made sure I was scheduled 1st thing in the morning. I got to the hospital and right into prep. To tell you the truth, I woke up at 3:30 and don't remember a thing about the op. They told me I was on the table 5 1/2 hrs. I went right to the floor and the nurses were helpful and supportive. The only trouble I really had was the post surg gas> I mean GAS!!!! Get up and walk, and walk and walk some more, a little at a time but get up. By day two after surg, that's Fri morn after a Weds morm surgery, it was horrible and I was doing the old why did I do this to myself thing. then around 10 am an explosion out the backside, sorry but thats the only way I can describe it, and all was well. I went home that evening feeling great. Little pain from the Lap surgery, only the gas.

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

Some problems moving and sleeping in a comfortable position. the binder helped but I am a stomache sleeper and that was out.

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 think my religion helped me. My faith in God and belief that we all have a set time but have choices. Faith in the skill of my surgeon and care givers.

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

Tired, hurting. It lasted about 2 weeks I chose to take more time off and was able to fully recover aand retiurn to teaching after Christmas Break.

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

Only 17 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.

My pre and post op diets were set for me by the clinic with clearly marked stages. Stage 1 , day 1 - clear fluids; one month @ stage 2 - liquid protein, fat free sugar free pudding, jello and drinks, V-8, tomato soup; stage 3 - gradual intro duction to pureed proteins and scrambled eggs, one month; stage 4 - gradual intro of regular foods.

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

lil for a week or two except getting up and walking around the house as it was very cold out. Then gradual intro to hh duties and finally treadmill work

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

With stage 3 I took 2 Flintstones Vits and with stage 4 I added 2 Citrical tabs each 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?

None

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

WLC has 2 monthly support group meetings I can attend. Chat group here at OH and on line message group postings are adequate for support I need.

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

I have 8 stab wounds which are scarred. I am happy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh, one 2 wk plateau so far after 3 months, driving me crazy for a little but then I was warned and did everything everyone told me to get thru. You just need some patience and faith it feels wonderful when the scale starts to move again and it will!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get a lot of compliments and questions of interest.