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

I have known about bariatric surgery for years. I have comptiplated it for years. I didn't just want a stomach stapling, I wanted more, to be able to have the tool I have needed for so long. I am so happy that I have finally had it. It is changing my life, and my families..

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

I had Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa and I was approved within two days.

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

My surgeon was very informative. You need to ask questions, write them down and take them with you. Read everything that you can get your hands on.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I kept gaining weight, and couldn't find an answer. I got to almost 400 pounds and I have OA and Fibromyalgia and I could hardly move or get out of a chair or bed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By reading and speaking with others and studying the internet.

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 very afraid, I ask my Dr what was the percentage of deaths with the surgery. Anything is harder as far as any type of procedure when you are severly obese. I prayed alot and trusted that it was the right thing to do, and thank God it was.

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 was and still is very supportive during and after my surgery. I think I explained it all pretty clearly to all of my loved ones and special friends. I don't think that I would do anything differently

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

I am not employed

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 about a 5. They were not prepared for a 400 pound person. Gowns too little, at first, until they found larger ones. Chairs in the room were not large enough. The bed was completely uncomfortable. I was there from Wednesday to Friday. You really don't have to bring much. I took way too much and just had to put it away when I got home. Tooth brush, hair brush and lotion and deodorant are important and also chap stick

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

I got a wound infection that even 3 month later we are treating. My husband is very good with me and he has been my nurse. I had my stiches taken out 10 days after surgery and two days later my incision opened up. The first infection has cleared up, now I have a senoma, two abcesses that are on my incision, there is alot of pain. My belly button is even leaking, all from the abcesses. I am really getting bumbed out now. I can't go to aerobic swimming yet, and that is my main exercise

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 spend alot of time praying. I had a very hard time waiting, it seemed like it would never get here. Cope with anxiety?????????? No magic way, just try to keep busy

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

To be realy tired,,,anxious about what to eat and what not to eat. Be sure to move as much as possible and do alot of deep breathing. and rest, rest, rest

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

45 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.

I really have been able to eat just about whatever I want, to a limit of course. Some days I am able to eat something and the next time it doesn't go down so good. I don't eat eggs, can't stomach them, no pun intended. HA I had a real problem with chicken but now I am able to eat it. I haven't tried Beef steak yet. It doesn't even sound good.

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

I tried to do as much walking as I could and tried not to stay in bed. My energy level was very low/ It has been three months and I am still very tired at times, and I wear out fast.

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

B12. calcium citrate with vitamin D, slow mag, vitamin e, zinc, iron, and a multivitamin

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 and vomiting, almost every other day. I have to really eat slow and no fat. The only sleep disturbances I have had is hot flashes and I have already gone thru menopause so that wasn't the cause. They are getting better. So far no hair loose and it has been three months

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

The wound infection that I am still trying to get healed. Swimming is my best exercise and I haven't been able to go for over 3 months. and the vomiting.

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

I haven't gone to any support meetings they are 45 miles away. I intend to try to get to some this month, Jan 03.

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

My scar is a total mess. I have had all of the infections and abcesses I think I can handle. I fear to see what it will look like when everything heals. One open wound sealed up and then two abcesses showed up. We are treating them with peroxide. It is nothing Like I expected. I had a hysterectomy in 87 and I didn't have any of these complications

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateaus yet. I dont think I am loosing fast enough tho. My Dr. says I am doing fine with the weight lost. I have lost 63 lbs in not quite 4 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sometimes..........They either notice or they don't most people are very kind about it and give me encouragement.