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

I checked out a lot of web sites and visited the Bariatric Treatment Center and was quite impressed. I also saw their commercials on TV and the results. I sent for information and liked what I saw.

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

This was terrible for me. I was denied the first time and was quite upset. I couldn't get up the courage to try again for about another year. I went to a different psychologist and also got additional letters from my doctors. The advice that I would have is be persistent.

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

It was great. He answered all my questions and took a lot of time with my husband and I. I felt like he really understood where I was coming from. To get the most out of this meeting, be informed and write down all your questions so that you can be prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All the approvals went through.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research.

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 a bit scared about complications because I am missing a spleen. My surgeon explained that there more risks involved but he would be prepared for them. It is natural to have fears. Don't let them overtake you.

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 was extremely supportive. I only told a few people in my family. They are still very supportive.

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 tell them specifically what I was having because I didn't want everyone to know. It was a personal decision for me and because of that, I didn't tell a lot of people. I told them that I was having scar tissue removed from a previous surgery that I had. I am going to be out of work for 6 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was not pleasant. BTC just purchased a new hospital the week before I was to have surgery and they are not done with the renovations. There was no air conditioning in the rooms and they were horribly hot. My huband went and purchased a fan, thank God! The rooms are very small and my roommate snored the entire time that she was there so I got no sleep. In addition, they were supposed to have TVs but they were not yet installed. Then the construction noise was horrible as well. Overall, this was the the worst part of my experience. I was there 4 days. If going to the BTC I would bring a fan and maybe a small TV. The days and nights get pretty long and I was too groggy to read a book during that time.

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

No

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 am only 3 weeks post op and I feel pretty good. My emotions have been up and down but I have been doing everything that I have been told. My husband has been a lifesaver and without him I am not sure I could have gotten through the last few weeks. I have been tired more than anything.

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

My first 2 weeks I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't have had the surgery. I kept being negative about myself thinking that I should have had enough control about food not to let myself get to this point. My emotions were like a roller coaster. Once I was able to get to pureed foods, I am much better.

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

I traveled about 1.5 hours. As far as aftercare I had a 2 weeks appointment there and then I go back in 4 weeks again so it hasn't been too bad.

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 am not really to this point.

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

I have been walking at least 30 minutes a day including the day I got out of the hospital. Sometimes I break it up into smaller incriments.

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

Bugs Bunny Sugar Free Chewable

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 haven't been able to sleep because I sleep on my stomach normally. I tried to grab naps when I could.

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

The pain following the surgery. My pain was more because of my previous surgery.

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

I am going to attend the BTC support group in my area.

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

My scar is what I expected. It goes below my belly button to just below my breasts.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.