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

I saw it on TV (Montel show) and heard of movie stars doing it. I checked into surgery and lipo and thought need to lose the weight and then go get a tuck. But so far, the skin is doing ok, may not need it. After 5 months, I might need to do a nip and tuck My arms and legs are worse than my stomach. But look ok in clothes though.

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

No prob My doctor's office did it all I filled out a form and gave them my life history - I think now Insurance companies are looking more for people who have done structured diets (Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem,etc) rather than medical problems. My ins had a clause against ANYTHING weight loss related but they got over it and NTHN paid the hospital over $24,000 - in full. I have paid a few lab & Xray stuff that was paid by Ins.

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

We met with his office staff and then had a general meeting the day before (there were 5 of us) and 2 were from out of town and 2 were out of state. We discussed all the pros & cons Dr Hall discussed the different surgeries and we made the decision on Bypass or Banding. It was about a 3 /12 hr meeting & he furnished lunch and we talked afterwards without him -

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

249 lbs and a 50" waist. Meds and feeling like an outcast I was thinking suicide was a plausible answer. Diets don't work

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My sister saw an ad in the phone book, we called, they sent a packet with a questionare and info about the clinic We filled it out and got approved in about 4 weeks Made a date, did it and flew home (Insurance expense) and been happy ever since

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 figured it couldn't be any worse than other surgeries I had had and Dr Hall & the Highland Hospital is very efficient!!!!! He has a whole wing that is just for his patients. Even some of the nurses have had the surgery from him. They are very considerate and the beds are for extremely large people. They never make you feel fat.

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?

Family was excited I did not tell anyone at my work. Told them the surgery was for bowel problems. Which is kind of true. I had diarehha soooo bad for so long It is now fine. My husband still helps me not eat stuff that I shouldn't and my son says I'm getting buff

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

I did not tell the boss. I used unpaid overtime for my time off and since the insurance was my husband's I didn't have to tell HR what the surgery was for. I was off work 3 weeks (I could have went back earlier -once the stitches came out) but I liked the rest I exercised, walked, went to movies, shopping and just chilled Now I'm doing a Tummy tuck this week can't wait losing 10" from my middle of hanging skin!!!!!!!!! 11/03

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

It was great. Everyone was so nice and efficient. I hardly had any pain. I was there a week. Bring house shoes and a book. You will be walking, walking, walking. It is good for you- about every two hours you need to be up and moving.

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

None

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 day after I came home, went to the mall, shopping, went to a movie (that was harder with my staples) but the Dr says not to be an invalid. get out there and go. I walked to the end of my street then around the corner, then around the block. I still walk - even at work now, when everyone else takes smoke breaks, I go walk. It's good for your bowels too. I feel great - better than 10 years ago. I do stuff away from home, go places and don't feel like everyone is looking at me. - Except to see how nice I look. I was not anxious about the surgery. It is a life long committment. So you have to be ready to diet forever.

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

Eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. Don't take big bites of anything - not even soft stuff. You will be sorry Vomiting and gagging. It's not good for the staple line in you pouch. So, be careful

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

About a 6 hour drive. My husband drove me there and I flew home in about an hour. I have called my doctor 1x since I been home and my local doctor took my staples out, although we could have done it at home. I plan to go back in May/June for a class and follow up visit

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.

Can't eat breads, pastas - although I have in VERY small quantanties. No caffeine (that is my preference cause I am prone to headaches) FATS & SUGARS - none Hardly any raw veggies are allowed.(GAS) Meats - mostly tuna, chicken and cottage cheese (2%) I have trouble with some meats (can't have red meat or pork till 2 months) So, I do cottage cheese & fruit alot. I don't crave sweets - as much. I have sugar/fat free jello, pudding and popsicles. I have had SnackWells Devils food cookies (only 1 is 50 calories). I like the feeling I get being hungry. I know when I feel that way, I am losing weight. I try to get busy and do something to take my mind off eating. The hunger is still there and the no will power is still there, so I need to channel it to knowing I can wait 15-30 minutes and then sometimes I forget. I skip breakfast sometimes and eat a lite lunch I only am eating about 200-300 calories daily and don't mind. I am sometimes depressed at why can't I eat like everyone else, but I am special and just can't.

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

I was walking around the block went shopping, the movies just no heavy stuff WALKING IMPORTANT... I FELT BETTER THAN I HAD IN YEARS IT WAS GREAT...3 YEARS LATER I STILL DO. I CHASE GRAND KIDS AND STILL VERY ACTIVE.

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

FLINTSTONE COMPLETE FOR EVER AND EVER

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?

VOMITING STILL HAPPENS WHEN I EAT MEATS (ESPECIALLY PORK OR BBQ) OR BREAD..HAIR LOSS FOR ABOUT A MONTH BUT NOT MUCH IT WAS FROM SURGERY IN GENERAL NOT BECAUSE OF THE WAY I WAS EATING. SLEEP WAS UNCOMFORTABLE CAUSE I COULDN'T SLEEP ON MY SIDE/STOMACH

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

THE WORST PART WAS HAVING TO WAIT SOOOOOOO MANY YEARS. WISH I COULD HAVE DONE IT WHILE STILL YOUNG AND THE SKIN COULD RETRACT

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

Don't go SURGEON IS6 HOURS AWAY HE ONLY MEETS 1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH AT 10AM EEK RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS IF POSSIBLE

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

Nice & neat. I never had leakage It is nice and pink. Cut from breastbone to navel. Not so bad. I have a C Section scar So I'm cut from here to here!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I got stuck at about 3 weeks after surgery (for about 2 weeks) but then lost 6 lbs the next week. I thought I would now, but I just do a day of liquids and it starts up losing again...I have lost 42 lbs in 2 months. After 6 months now, I still hit plateas about every 20 lbs or so. I just do a couple days of liquids and free foods, and move on

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Gosh yes, especially the guys. I women want to know what "diet" I'm on & I tell them 2 oz veggies, 4 oz meat no sugar/fat. they faint. I think I am more different too more outgoing and happy