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

My 16 year old cousin weighed over 500 lbs. and was told if he wanted to live to graduate he had to have the surgery. I felt it was a drastic move. But then the move I saw him loose and feel better I wanted the same for me. I want to see my kids grow.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to live in a wheel chair for the rest of my life. My husband has a bad heart and I need to be around a long time for my kids. They worry about their dad they don't need to worry about me dying to.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice because of scar tissue I had to have open.

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've had so many other surgeries that the risks didn't scare me. Every time you get operated on there is a risk. Remember the chance of something happening is slim.

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 husband and kids were very supportive. My parents weren't to sure nad neither was my sister and brother. But now they see how well I'm doing and they are happy I did it. I also got to have my hip replaced in May. My husband would make me the diet jello and put it in the little cups so I had it when he went to work and I didn't need to measure it out. it was all done. he even cooked for the kids and himself for the longest time so I didn't have to.

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

I wasn't working at the time.

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

Shadyside hospital was very impressive. The nurses and doctors there are great. Dr Quinlin was great. I had open rny and was only in the hospital for 3 days. Make sure you bring something loose to wear home because you won't want to have anything around your stomach.

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

I can happily say there was no complications.

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

My origional date was to be 12/14/99. The doctor called me and asked if we can push it up. I said ok so the surgery was 11/24/99 the day before thanksgiving. I was so scared and excited at the same time. I cried after I got off the phone. I never wanted something so bad in my life. I thought the happiest days in my life was my wedding day and the day my kids were born. But surgery day ranks right up there. I was sure I was doing the right thing.

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

The first few weeks were hell. I had severe gas pains but the medicine they gave me helped alot. I was tired and all I wanted to do was sleep. Later I found out that from the 4th -6th week you experience something called hybernation. After that then I started getting energy. The pain was well worth it.

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

I live about 21/2 hours from Pittsburgh. It was a long ride home post op. My after care was affected because my husband had heart surgery the week after I got home so I couldn't go back to have my check-up. My family doctor called Dr. Quinlan and explained the situation to him. So he told my family doctor what to do for the post op check. As far as the diet any questions I would calll Dr. Quinlan or the dietician and they would talk me through it over the phone. So I haven't seen him since I was released.

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.

The only things I have had problems eating is bbq spare ribs, and cucumbers. I can eat baked pork chops though. Chicken legs sometimes bother me.

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

I was still quite limited in activity because of the hip problems. I did notice more energy though. Another month and then I can start going for walks. Although walking through a store isn't a problem anymore. No more sweats and heavy breathing.

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

I take a multi vitamin, b12, and also a fibercon because of constipation.

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?

the comiting still bothers me if I eat to much or don't chew it good. I had dumping 1 time I had eaten some dried banana chips. They had alot of natural sugar in them. hair loss was some not alot. just made sure I drannk a protein drink.

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

Learning to eat slower and take smaller bites and chew alot. I still have a problem sometimes. And the gas pains after surgery. But it is all worth the pain.

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

I get the support off of the internet. I follow a high protein diet and if I need to I call the dietician in Pittsburgh. I live almost 3 hours away from the hospital and my husband had heart surgery in Oct and my surgery was Nov and He had another heart surgery in Dec. So my PCP is taking care of me at home and if we have anyproblems we call Dr. Quinlin. Support is very important. You have so many questions and feelings you need some one to vent to. Family support is very important. It's been 3 years, I can eat anything. It's hard to stay on a diet and exercise every day. I have lost 120 pounds since surgery but have gone up and down with 20 of them. Not bad for 3 years. I just have to start eating the right foods again. Working fulltime it's hard to eat the right things. I do eat Low Carb protein bars and drink the low carb drinks for breakfast and lunch. I don't get the dumping and vomitting so it's easier to eat chips and junk. I kind of wish I would get sick to remind me and bring me back to reality.

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

My scar is from the breast bone almost down to the navel. I was expecting it like that.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had to have surgery for a stomach hernia. I struggle with the fact that I can gain weight just as fast as I did before. I keep fighting with20 lbs that I originally lost. I do want to loose another 50-60 pounds. But it's up to me to stay away from things I shouldn't be eatting. and to exercise regularly. I'm still not sorry I did this.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I sure do notice people treat me different. It's like you're in the room they don't ignore you.