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

We had a friend who shared her experience and once we talked with others we found out that several people had had the surgery. We interviewd a couple of doctors and several (50+) patients and made the decision.

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

My doctor essentially took care of the details so it was a good experience.

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

My first visit was grand. He answered all my questions and was very frank about the lifestyle changes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband had it first and he has done so well that I knew I would join my life partner in another journey.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was done by my surgeon in whom I had complete confidence.

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?

Go for it! Die - no 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?

My family has been great - the world's best.

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

As an educator I had the summer off. So far my principal has been very supportive. I go back to school next week and I only anticipate one mean person - however some folks are simply uncaring. To update - have been back at work 8 weeks. Feel better every day. The person I thought who might react badly has been great. I have a lot of support.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. My stay was good, but I was ready to go home. I was not able to get a private room on the surgery floor and the hospital was at capacity, so that was understandable. Be patient. Ask questions!!! Be self educated. My hospital had three presurgery classes Attend ALL. Bring walking shoes and learn to roll out of bed.

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

I had no actual complications from surgery, however I did have additionall hernias removed and a previous scar was used. It was slow to heal. My husband had a reaction to the inside sutures and they were removed in the doctor's office and we were able to take care of everything at home. If we ever have any questions, we simply pick up the phone and call the doctor and our questions are answered.

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

The only time I got anxious was the night before surgery. Our daughter and I had a big day. I was sick all night. Basically nerves!!

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

Sleep in a recliner. or we have an adjustable bed. Let God heal you. Enjoy a few visitors, but don't be afraid to say I need a nap. Learn to sip your meal - I had Carnation Instant Breakfast and juice - all sugar free - popcicles, jello skim milk. TAkE YOUR VITAMINS!!!!

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

I live 50 miles from the hospital. My husband had his surgery in January. It snowed a foot and neighbors shoveled us out. and a path to get him in. I stayed in the city w/ family who had no power and no heat. We had a blast. I was greatful to get back to the hospital. People were camped out everywhere, but it was warm and had lights. My surgery was in June. My family traveled back and forth each day.

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.

This is a biggie, however, my doctor has a strict regiment that my husband and I have followed. We started out on liquids, moved to pasta and fish and then to other foods. My husband still won't eat beef and I did not tolerate rice the first time I tried it. Nor was I able to eat corn. Now I can eat corn and my husband tolerates beef in sauces and stuff so I usually mix lean ground beef with ground turkey.

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

Activity increased weekly. I was driving in four weeks and went to work in six. My husband about the same. We walk daily and would swim if we could.

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

We take 2 tums, 2 children's multi-vitamins w/ iron, a Cod Liver Oil pill for A&D and a B12

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?

My husband lost some of his hair - He didn't keep up his protein count. It's coming in now. So far I'm great.

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

Carnarion Instant breakfast 4 x a day for 2 weeks

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

We have a host of friends who are supportive. Forever Thin In Richmond, VA is wonderful.

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

My scar is relatively small. It's much better than my old Gallbladder scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I'm still losing. My husband has lost 210 and is down to 300. He's a little stuck there, but still seems to be toning and losing. Now in November he's lost 238 pounds total. I'm down 85 and I really need to exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet - People are however curious about how I've lost this weight.