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

Had seen it on TV and the recomendation of family doctor, Dr. Paul Kinsinger

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

No problems at all

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

Gave me information I needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing I would soon be unable to get around.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Knew I could only have open because of earlier surgeries

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?

Very good support.

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

Very good beds could have been eiser to get in and out of. I was in hospital 2 1/2 days. Personal items only.

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

None at all.

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 didn't have any problems with anxiety.

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

I have done very well. I am into my second week at home. Have gone to the basement to shower. Getting my own drinks and part of my meals. I sliced tomatoes for the dehydrator. I am doing a little more each day. Hope it is cool enough to go outside to walk today.

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

10 miles

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.

So far I have had no trouble with food. But am getting tired of yogart and cream soup. Not much flavor. I am now eating pureed food and doing well.

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

Walking as much as I wish to.

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

Childrens vitamin, B-12, instant breakfast.

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?

NONE

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

The few choices you have in things to eat at first.

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

OSF Peoria, Illinois has a good group started.

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

From breast bone to below bellie button. Yes it is was what I expected.