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

I found out about WLS several years ago. I considered it then, but changed my mind. A friend told me that she was afraid that something would happen to me because she knew someone who had died after having this surgery and din't want anything to happen to me. I agreed not to go through with it. I decided to do it this time because the surgery has really approved since I first thought of having it.

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

Thank God! I had no problem with insurance approval. Was approved on the first try. My sympathy goes out to everyone who have to go through insurance problems.

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

My first visit was good. Dr. Siverhus is a good doctor and very nice. He's always ready and willing to answer any questions and concerns patients may have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Was very unhappy with my limited activity and body. Overall...unhappy with myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originaly decided to have the Lap Band. Dr. Siverhus explained to me that because of the steroid I was taking, that particular surgery wasn't option. The steroid will errode the band.

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?

My aunt had WLS. She died but I'm not completely sure as to why and what the cause was. Knowing this I had fears of the same thing happening to me. I quickly put that behind me and reminded myself that every patient and situation is different. More importantly, I reminded myself that, if I remained over weight death was sure to come. I would rather die trying to save my life than to die from doing nothing.

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?

Actually, I told only my mother, husband, son, one sister and a couple of friends. I didn't tell my remaining five siblings and friends. I didn't want my family to compare me to my aunt nor any negative comments. Since my surgery I've gotten mostly supportive comments. I have had a few negative ones and envious looks.

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

N/A

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

My day nurses were excellent. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful staff. My night nurses was a little iffy. They half listened and did things.

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

I had no complications. Although, my blood pressure and blood sugar would either rise too high or too low for some reason. They (Dr. & nurses) thought I may end up staying an extra night.

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 felt relieved. I was anxious to have it done and to start my new life on a healthy note.

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

Sore! But, I made sure I got up and walked throughout the house. Not just for exercise sake, but, to prevent blood clots in my legs.

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

In my city. About 10 miles from my home.

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'm already allergic to milk. Not lactose intolerant. I actually break out with rashes. After the surgery, I seem to have gotten lactose intolerant. I love baked, broiled, grilled or steamed fish. I couldn't tolerate eating fresh or canned fish. Right after surgery, I ate alot of cottage cheese, canned fruit and eggs. Eventually, I ate alot of chili and started to develop a dislike for the taste and smell of eggs.

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

My activity level was real good. The day of my surgey, I insisted on walking further than they wanted me right after surger. I knew the road ahead of me and I was eager to get started. Only because I wanted to condition my mind into realizing that this is the way of life for me from this point on and I wanted to get use to it right away.

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

Multivitamins, Ferrous Sulfate, B 12, Calcium pills and Actigil (for 6 mos.)

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 experienced my first bout of dumping when I ate some fish for the first time. I didn't experience this too much unless I ate too fast. The only sleep disturbances I has was due to the pain in my stomach. I experienced all of this during the first three months.

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

The dumping.

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

After my fourth to sixth week, I started going to the bariatric support group meetings at the hospital where I had my surgery. I enjoy them and make a point to go to every one of them. Hearing all the different people who are at different levels of their surgery has been a tremendous help. I've learned some do's and don't's of eating. Especially when it comes from people who have had your same experiences. This is where I learned I could eat chili. ***Warning*** EVERYONE'S EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT!

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

My scars are okay. Two of them are still puffy, but this is a small price to pay compared to the weight loss.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I weigh myself weekly. Last week my weight was exactly the same as it was the week before. I don't think (or not sure) if this was a plateau because, my three months were up for me to be able to drink coffee and I love me some iced coffee and think this may have been the problem.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, but then I don't spend alot of time around other people.