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

I had heard of the surgery a long time before I investagated it for myself. Being a nurse, I heard of many different types of obesity surgery but never followed thorough with one untill in February of 2001 . I did have mixed emotions regarding the surgery. I thought they wouldn't approve me because of my different health problems.

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 ...It was really easy. After filing with the insurance company , I heard in 2 weeks that I was approved.

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

Great...All the information was givien to me by him and he answered all my questions and then some

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had my mind made up when I went to the MD

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I basically had my mind made up before I saw the MD...but after I talked to him I was sure....

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 afraid of dying.....I made all the necassary papers in case I did die.....That all surgeries come with risk....I put it in the hands of my MD and the LORD

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?

Husband and Boys were very supportive...My twin sister wasn't. A few friends were helpful as well but must everyone else I told had alot of negative comments/

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

I didn't have this problem because I do not work.

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

I stayed from Wednesday the day of my surgery till around 3:30 pm on Friday. You should bring the normal stuff....house shoes, robe, toothbrush, tolitries etc....

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

I had some drainage for under the Gastric-tube. I would not consisfer it a complication. I would dress it and keep it dry. I appied zinc oxide to the skin areas.

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

At first, very weak , some discomfort...not anything that I had to take medication for. I would rest alot. I was alittle depressed but it passed after a few days . Dr. Hilmy said it was normal. Alot had gone on!

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

I was dong alot of dressing changes due to the drainage coming from under the G-tube but I would take the intake diet to the word, I was always sipping on something. My foamily would help me get up from the bed. I thought that was hard and very painful. So I slept in the recliner for about 3 - 4 weeks.

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

I only travel within a 5 mile range. I stayed pretty close to the home front due to the drainage situation.walked around the house and outside. I went to our support group meeting about 2 weeks post surgery and did fine. I was tired when I go home. But it was a good outing

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 started with the diet of clear liquids...low fat , sugar-free things...No carboinated drinks....then went to a full liquid diet puddins, applesauces ,cream soups, mash potatoes etc...on the 2nd week I tried some salad near the end of the 2 weeks. Didn't eat too much ...Started the fish,chicken,and turkey . I found that chinese food doesn't aggree with me to much. Some days I can it eat but most of the time no...Broccoli isn't good either

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

It was a slow process and I really didn't push myself until 5 weeks....then I started walking up and down the street. I added more and more...As the days went by the activity and energy levels increased

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

All liquid vitamins..at first ...now I take only pills.. Multi vitamin. Vitamin B12, Vitamin c, calxium, Iron, and Vitamin D

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 have vomited but it isn't like a normal person...it is mostly liqiud and bubbley...Very little food if any, I do have dumping if I eat something with sugar...I feel dizzy, nauseated, cramps in my stomach and clammy. I have experieced some hair loss...but start minerals to supplement

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

THE GASTRIC TUBE....drainage....it was a reaction to the tube....not a complication but it was a bad experience

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

We have a monthy meeting on the 1st Thursday of every month. 7 pm at the local hospital Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas. IT was extremely helpful to me and I had alot of support by the time I went to surgery. I am now President of that support group.

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

It look good. No problems ......

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had 2 plateaus since surgery ...for a period of 2 to 4 weeks.I tried to exercise more

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am alot of positive feedback......No real negative ...to my face no!