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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from a doctor here in the Bronx who was determined to have me lose weight because my legs were getting worse. I was all for it and I wasn't scared at all. I knew that if I didn't do something about this weight that I would eventually die of morbid obesity.

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

I did nothing to get approval, it was handled by Joan, Dr. Leitman's assistant.

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

My first visit was great and very informative. he told me of all the Pro's and Con's of the surgery and the risks. I recommend that you write down all the questions you want to ask because you may forget an important question but you can always call and ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What finally made me have this surgery was my inability to swallow solid foods from the complications of the VBG I had in 1994.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only had 1 choice and that was to have an open RNY.

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 went into the surgery with an open mind and heart and with alot of prayer that everything would be just fine. The day before surgery a calm came over me that was so overwhelming.

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 and friends were with me 100%. After surgery they wanted information on how they could have the surgery too.

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

I was not working during the time I had surgery.

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

My hospital stay was for 6 days in which i had great care. You only need to bring toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and brush, deodorant, and nightgown or pajamas and slippers.

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

My complications were adhesions from previous surgeries.

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 approved and in surgery within a week. I only had anxiety during the few days before surgery until the day before surgey when the calm came over me.

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

I was in alot of pain after surgery. You are going to need a comfortable place to sleep and recline. You will also need someone to help you with daily activities and someone to help you with hygiene. I needed this help for about 3 weeks then I was able to do this on my own.

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

I had to travel about a half an hour but my surgeon's office arranged for me to be picked up and dropped off for all my appointments.

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.

After surgery I was told to stay away from red meats and raw and fresh fruits and vegetables. I had no urge to eat after I got home and for weeks after that. I mostly ate soups. Now I can eat anything but I choose not to eat sugar, fats, or fried foods.

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

After surgery I was tired for months. I didn't start getting energy until 4 months post-op. Now I want to do any and everything.

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

I take a multiple vitamin and iron, that's all.

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 had nausea and vomiting for up to 4 months after surgery. I coped with it by just lying down and resting and it went away.

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

Nothing worse about it, just the fact that it had to come to this.

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

I am on the wls400plus support group which is great. There you are able to talk about any and everything under the sun and will always get honest answers.My surgeon, Dr Leitman has also started a wls support group that I plan to attend very soon.

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

My scar is from my breastbone to just above ny navel and it was what I expected according to my surgeon.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The date today is March 22nd, 2000 and I am just experiencing my first plateau. I'm still at 257lbs but that's o.k. it is to be expected.I am at yet another plateau. I am hanging at 185. I am ok with it though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are much nicer to me now.I'm always getting compliments on how great I look and boy does it feel good.