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

I saw an ad in the local paper about a surgery that could help overweight people and went for the consultation. I was very impressed with the statics and the time the doctor took with me to answer all my questions. (Just not happy with what happen after initial visit)

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

Very good. I being a nurse and the patient had researched this surgery and knew exactly what to expect. The surgeon spoke directly to my hubsand and answered all of his questions and made sure we both knew what I was getting into before scheduling the surgery. Make sure your spouse goes with you. Write any questions you have down as you think of them and have them with you for your first appointment.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeons recommendation. We trusted his decision he is the doctor.

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 did not fear dying from the surgery, because I knew I was in good hands and had spoke with post-op patients at the support meeting I attended prior to surgery so I knew what to expect. In the educational seminar the complications were explained very well and spoke one on one with post-op patients. So really no fears. Would advise that you attend support meeting and talk with post-op patients one on one given the opportunity in your area it really eased my mind.

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 family mother, sisters and brother were the most difficult to accept the fact that I was having this surgery. I actually did not let them know until a week before the surgery. My friends and co-workers were all very excited for me, but again I am a nurse and these people are all in the medical field so they knew what to expect. Everyone has been very supportive post-op. It is amazing each time I see a family member I haven't seen in a month or so at the look on there faces and my friends and especially my patients who haven't seen me since surgery.

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

Excellent Stay. 2 days. Chapstick, book, baby wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste. Comfortable loose fitting clothes to wear home and a little pillow.

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 discouraged because of complication. Family and spouse upset which then increased my anxiety level, but just kept reassuring everyone that all was well and kept focused on the big picture.

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

Move around slowly, but do get up and move around. Drink little sips all day long of liquids even if you don't want them. You will be sore, you will want to lay down and rest and you want have an appetite for liquids or solids but you have to drink, drink, drink so you don't get dehydrated or worse don't develop kidney stones from not having enough fluids.

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

10-12 miles

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.

Off limits. Sugars and foods that break down into sugars. Foods advanced slowly for me because of post-op complication. Your pouch will let you know if it isn't ready for something. Start slow follow your nutrional guidelines and gradually increase foods as tolerated. DO NOT OVERFILL YOUR POUCH!!!!!! YOU WILL BE VERY SICK!!!! Eat slow and watch portion sizes.

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

Started with walking in house then walking end of block with someone. Then walking around block. Then walkin in water at health club. You need to be up and moving as soon as you get home the recovery will be much faster this way.

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

Multivitamin everyday. B12 under your tongue once a week. Calcium 2 tums one in a.m. and one in p.m. Do not take with Multivitamin it interfers with absortion.

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

Waiting, hoping and praying for that insurance approval.

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

We have support meetings 2nd Thursday of each month. We have walking groups that meet at different tracks 2-3 times a week to walk. Very important to stay involved with other patients that have had this surgery so you can exchange challenges, frustrations and help one another through any plateaus you may have and they understand.

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

Not hardly one at all. Surgery done Laporosopic 5 little scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateaus due to complications in December and March with hernia and stricture repairs. Coping with them now. Weight loss none then way done then back up. Due to no food, liquids only, food again no food again and so on.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. In public men are more aware of me. Women don't stare at me. People do discrimanate against obese people whether they think they do or not.