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

When I was taking a nursing class through JVS, the instructer was talking about it. I knew I had to look into it.

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

The BTC did all the paperwork. I was approved immediatly. Not a single problem.

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

I was very comfortable with him. He went into detail on the surgery...afterwards...etc...very thorough. Write down any questions you may have and take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I would have it always...no matter the cost! Or how it would get paid for.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

BTC only does open. I prefered to have it open so they could see everything clearly.

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?

You could die crossing the street...if you want it..go for it. I really didn't have any fears of the surgery. I had a tubal years before and didn't worry about complications. In my mind I would deal with that when it happened.

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 was very supportive of my decision. My mother wasn't..she was terrified something would happen to me. My sister was very supportive too. Over all everyone was wonderful and with me 100% and since the surgery they are 100% for the surgery.

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

I told them of my decision. Plus the doctor faxed over a medical nessissity paper. No questions asked. They were wonderful too.

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

2 days and it was very nice. I took my brush, tooth brush, tooth paste...panties ...I wore a hospital gown...slippers too

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

I had a murr murr...which they used nitrogen patches on me the first night. After that I was fine.

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 pain was minimal. Walking really does help. I felt weepy alot. Missed food, but did not feel like eating or get hungry. Kind of like a withdrawl. Or losing an old friend.

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

I had to sleep in a recliner..getting out of bed was very painful...especially when my husband returned to work and I was left alone during the day.

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

I traveled within a 60 mile radius.

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 absolutely could not stomach the thought of broth. I lived on SF popsicles, kool aid, plus jello. Later when I could eat soft foods, I ate cream of potatoe soup, mashed potatoes and even pureed chili. I have a low tolerance for sugars, carbonated drinks and breads. They are not off limits...just a low tolerance...I eat or drink these in moderation.

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

I walked for the first few months. I have jogged off and on since my surgery but nothing faithfully. I still don't exercise faithfully. I do however walk alot through my employment....During my 8 hour shift at work I do 4 hours of solid walking.

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

I take the prenatal vitamins that Dr Viglianco perscribed and continue to do so....otherwise my hair starts to fall out!

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?

As I mentioned above, the vitamins help with the hair loss. I learned through trial and error just how much sugar I can tolerate before I dump. Plus how much I can eat or how well I didn't chew something by getting to the point of vomitting. I still deal with these things, if I am not careful.

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

Not one thing.

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

I haven't joined one yet. But now that I am in Columbus I plan to join one.

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

My scar doesn't bother me. I have stretch marks from pregnancy and to me it's no worse than them. Yes, it's what I expected. It has faded and is thinner toward the bottom and top. The doctor says it's like that from my pants keeping pressure on those parts and my bra on the top portion.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I slowed down at 9 months. Then it starts coming off again. Just depends on my eating and activity. This is something we have to work at.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! People are prejudes towards obese people just like they are people of color or developmental disabilities.