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

A lady I vaguely knew had the original surgery done back in the '70s and I thought I would never have surgery to lose weight. I would rather be fat. Then lately I've seen T.V. commercials on it and decided to call. It seemed like a simple decision. Not!

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

My insyrance was with Medicare. They pay for anything medically necessary. Just look at my BMI and that's probably all they needed but I do have other problems. This surgery should almost eliminate most of thses.

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

The old cliche is "write down any questions you may have,any fears, any concerns."So true, if you don't write it down you may forget when the time comes to meet the surgeon. My surgeon, Dr. Rose, went over everything good ,bad, commom, or rare complications that couls arise.I think she educated me vrty well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The risks and side-effects of some meds was the absolute factor in finally having it.I have been on Rezulin for two years,and we all know what happened there. All the TV ads from the lawyers scared me. Well my kiver is fine as I have had tests and a biopsy done.So I weighed the risk of meds. and the surgery. Foe me the surgery won.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After a lot of research, I decided that the rings were to restrictive. Iwas going to have the duodenal switch done but it had been stopped due to malnutrition complications. So, the roux en y was about the only option open to me.

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 fears were the same as anyone. Just talk to any doctor involved with the particulars of your procedure and work through it. One of my big fears was claustro-phobia.This was discussed and was taken care of in the most kindest way.

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?

The people I told were more intrigued than anything else. They all had a lot of questions about it and I amazed myself by how much I could tell them.I have gotten a lot of support about the surgery but still some couldn't ubderstand why I had to go to such drastic measures.

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

Not a problem. I don't work

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

I was in for 3 days. The first 2 were the worst because of the tube down my nose. It was very uncomfortable and towards the end very dry and painful. All I brought were my toiletries, slippers and a robe. Went home in the clothes I came in with.The hospital staff was excellent but I did have my daughter there with me. She helped with the minor things so that I wouldn't have to bother the nurses unless it was important.

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

So far no physical complications. However, a little depression is setting. Someone said that walking was the best thing for that. Did have elevated bllod pressure.

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 knew about 6 wks about my surgery date. My computer was my best friend then. I researched and talked to others online. It helped a lot. Didn't ease nervousness but it helps to know more than what you're told at the doctor's office.Or to have what you're told verified.

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

I am now about 5 weeks post-op.The most important thing to remember is that you have to chew slowly and take small bites. If you don't it will hurt in your chest for a while or come up.

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

About 12 miles. Same for the aftercare. I was lucky.

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.

Week by week, I started with liquids(jello,broth,etc) and slowly graduated to pureed foods like chicken, tuna, a few vegetables. Now I don't puree but I eat slowly and take small bites.

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

It wasn't my energy that kept me as much as the soreness did.

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?

It's only been a week. None yet.

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

The waiting and the fear of the unknown.

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

The program I went through has monthly support group meetings and I've only made one of them. They seem very enlightening. I plan to get extra outside help a;so as there are other thing I want to work on.

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

It's bigger than I thought but I'm not planning on wearing anything skimpy anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It's been 5 weeks and haven't had any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People that know have said they can tell.Other than that I guess I haven't lost enough yet.