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

My neice had the surgery. She did great so I went to the same surgeon.

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

My insurance company was great. No problems what so ever. My primary care physician was very helpful.

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

He was very professional and very encouraging.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Desparate to be normal. Tired of hurting and tired of being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At that time, didn't know of any other options.

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?

No fears.

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?

No negative feedback and they were very supportive.

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

No problem, out of work for 2 weeks.

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

It was ok and was in for 3 days. My only issue was my room mate. She used hair spray and smelly stuff. It was nauseating. Now I would speak up, didnt at the time. I didn't bring anything and didnt need anything.

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

no

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Felt awful. Couldnt eat much of anything. Didn't have any anxiety. Just knew this was the right thing to do.

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

Lots of pain. Very uncomfortable. Couldnt eat much.

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

60 miles. No effect other than I had to make sure I had planned the time in to my work schedule.

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.

It's easier to list what I could eat. Yogurt, some frozen fruit, sugar-free instant breakfast, some protien drinks and cheese. Slowly, I started adding stuff. Now I can eat most anything but try to avoid sweets. Meats hurt. So I really need to chew, chew, chew. Pasta hurts and some breads.

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

No activity.

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

Iron, Vit c, Vit D, Calcium, multi vitamin, B-12.

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 vomit alot. I also have the dumping syndrome. That is awful and I cant predict when it happens or what causes it or how to stop it.

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

I guess that it didnt last all my life. I can eat now and wish that I was able to eat so little like I could when I first got the surgery done.

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

none.

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

I have an anchor cut from a abdominoplasty. It covers my scar. The orginal scar covered about 12 inches

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus. But have gained weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, very much. They actually talk to me and see that I'm here.