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

My daughter went to Brazil and had DS surgery. I though that was dumb and why could will power and normal dieting with exercise work - needless to say it has never worked in our family. As years went by I became less and less active andone day my daughter gave me a pep talk and I decided than and there that I was going to live the remainder of my years havng fun and getting the weight off was the biggest hurdle. I am so glad she gave me that pep talk.

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

I have Federal Blue Cross and knew before hand that they would pay. THEY HOWEVER DO NO PRE APPROVE ANYONE. I had no problem at all and they have always been nice on the phone.

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

I liked him from the start. He is very cheerful and always smiling. He has a good bed side manner. Ask as many questions as you want and he will anwer them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I did not want a DS because to me that surgery is the most radical for me to have. I did not think the lap band would work for me.

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 very concerned about dying. I had been through so many other types of surgery and vowed I would never go through another. I had never had any complications from my other surgeries but this one had me a little worried. I looked at it like I need to do this no matter what.

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 daughter was very supportive. She went with me to numerous doctor appts. Since she had the surgery she knew what questions to ask. My DH was ok with it since it was going to make me healthier. My son did not want me to do it. Since surgery everyone has been great.

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

Good. No complaints. It was hard taking my medication (non-wls) so that was a challenge. I stayed 1 night and needed my cpap machine so I brought that plus my slippers. Also lipstick.

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 was anxious but tried to stay busy and not think about it.

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

It was hard to get all the water, protein drinks, meds and vitamins all in. All I wanted to do was have something I could chew on.

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

About 30 minutes away.

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 miss having a salad. I basically eat very soft and pureed foods. Occasionally I have a piece of cheese but chew it carefully. I love cream of wheat, oatmeal, and ralston purina. For protein I eat cottage cheese, eggs, protein drinks. I have not yet tried meats. I am going to cook some zucchini. I have had spaghetti sauce over cheese and I love home made soups, chili is good and it is easy on my pouch. It is very hard to get use to not eating and drinking at the same time. Also I have always been a fast eater so that is also a challenge. Sometimes I can't eat the same food I had yesterday. Also most foods taste weird.

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

Within 2 weeks I had more energy than I have had in a long, long time.

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

Protein drinks 3 x a day for 90 grams of protein. Vita4Life 8 tablets daily, 120,000 units of vit A (my A was extremely low even before the surgery), 4800 units of vit D.

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?

No dumping so far. I have a hard time eating since my stomach aches. No hair loss so far, thank God, since my hair is already thin and fine.

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

Having so many tests prior to.

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

Tonight I will attending my first Vita Lady meeting (3-6). I live close by which is great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far (almost 3 months out)