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

I had heard about it on tv. But I found out a co-worker had the surgery done and I decided to give it more thought, to research it more.

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

I had no problem what so ever. I was approved about a week after my doctor submitted the letter.

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

I was a little intimidated. He seemed larger than life. people can get the most by knowing exactly what they are getting into. RESEARCH ewverything including your doctor. Aslo write down anything and everything, no matter how silly it might be, that you might want to ask your doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being the way I was. I had no energy, I was angry or sad all the time. I wanted to have a happy life, to be a part of my kids life, not just watch from the sidelines

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor I chose only did one type of procedure

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 terrified! In fact, I thought about backing out up until the very last minute! I did have a few complications, nothing real serious. But the ended up giving me three units of blood the day after my surgery. By then I had the morphine pump and I believe I would have let them do anything!!!

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 husband was very apprehensive. But the more we learned about the surgery, the better he was about it. Basically, whatever I wanted, he would support me. My mother was a little harder. She tried to talk me out of it up until the last minute. But she loves it now. I went to see her for the first time after my surgery. She thinks I look great. My husband loves the fact that I'm more active now and that I feel good about myself. Its been great and I would definalty do it again!

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

I was out of work for 1 month. Surgery was 1-4-02, returned to work 2-4-02. My employer was great. He wanted to know all about the surgery. I know a lot of people keep it a secret about the surgery but I've been upfront with everyone. I have a great support system at work. People come in all the time to get an update and to see "how I look".

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

Hospital stay was miserable. Not because of the staff, they were wonderful! I just couldn't sleep very well. I was on a 15 minute morphine pump, but I thought it was every hour. so at times I was a lot of pain. The breathing treatments weren't as bad as I made them out to be.

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

My blood count fell. How, we are not really sure. I had to have 3 units of blood. I thought it was more of a pain that anything, because it made moving around harder. I was on the morphine so I really can't remember what the doctor told me when he ordered the blood.

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 was so excited, but I was also scared to death. Was I really making the right decision for me and my family? Then I felt like I needed to eat at least one of everthing, because I would never get to eat it again! I stayed on this site all the time, reading all I could and looking at the pictures. It seemed to help whenever I started to doubt myself

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

I felt bad, weak all the time. I thought it be so easy and that i would immediately have all my energy back. When all wanted ot do was lay on the couch, I would feel guilty. But let me tell you, rest all you can. Sleep all you want to the first few weeks. Between the third and fourth week, i finally returned to normal. I had energy, I could walk around the grocery store without needing a break. But also let me warn you, When I went back to work, there were times that all my energy fled faster than I could find a seat! After a few weeks this too got better

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

20 miles or so. I'm able to make it to my appointments with no problems and to the suport meetings.

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.

the first few weeks I ate a lot of eggs. Itried steak my 2nd weeks and it made me sick, like it was too heavy for me. I cannot tolerate cereal. I tried a slice of thin crust pizza a month or so after surgery and it made me very gassy. I had a slice of pizza today, 2 1/2 months after surgery, and had no problems. I can eat oranges and apples. Bread has not been a problem but I only eat a bite if I eat any at all.

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

walking a half a block did me in right after surgery. There were some days when I didn't feel like getting out of the house. After the 2nd week we started mall walking. My husband was great. The only problem was...we bought something everyday at the mall. My advice, mall walking is great, but leave your checkbook at home!

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

I take a multi-vitamin around mid-morning and i take iron at night

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've really had no major side effects

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

The days after surgery, while I was still in the hospital. I hated the drainage tubes, the walking. I hated the bed, the pillows and my hospital "roomie". I try to blame it on the drugs, because I'm usually a very happy person!!

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

My doctor has a support group that meets once a month. He also has a website that he monitors. It helps to read about people who might be having the same problems as you. I also have a great ego building support at work. People come in my office everyday for updates on my weight loss.

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

About 6 inches long. Its really not that bad. and I know from experience, scars fade with time

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are wonderful. People smile at me more. Total strangers give me attention where before they would look through me