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

I wanted it right away

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

It was not bad. I had Kaiser. It took some time but it was worth it. Just fallow the Kaiser guidlines.

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

It was great. He told me all I needed to know. If I had a question he took the time to answer it. It went well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live longer and feel healthy. I couldnt loose it on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt have a choise. The clinic I went to only does the open ryn. I realy didnt mind.

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 think everyone is scared and get alot of crazy fears when the time gets close. But these fear are normal and I think everybody has them. Just talk to a angel and they will help you threw.

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?

They were a bit worried. But I was determined. So they accepted it and were behind me all the way. They were great after surgery.

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

My boss tried to talk me out of it. I had 54 paid sick days. After surgery they were much more supportave. I was out of work for almost 7 weeks. I loved the time off.

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

The hospital stay was great. St Vincents was wonderful. I was there 5 days. Take a pair of hotdog tongs for wipping. You wont regret it. It is very hard to reach around.

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

I have a mal rotation. My bowl, colon and appendix are on the wrong side. So they had to cut me more and change the opperation a bit. I had a G tube in my side for 3 weeks. I also was sick alot. I was the 5th. person to have this problem.

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 very happy. No fear. I could hardly waite.

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

This was a hard period. You cant eat much, you are weight restricked, and you feel kind of yucky. Get plenty of rest and try to drink alot of water. It may feel diffrent but it gets better.

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

The hospital is only 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 had a hard time with the puree stage. I didnt do it. I at tomato, potaot, and veg. soup. I small bit at a time and chewing it very well. I also ate applesauce, popsicles,cheese, carnation instant breakfast, and mash pots. I started eating meat about 5 weeks in. (In soups) I dont have a problem with anything. I can eat chicken, steak, hamburger and fish. just a very small amount. I try to eat it so I can get the most from it. Nothing I have eaten has caused me problems.

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

I didnt do much the first 3 weeks. The g tube bag was a pain. I got tired fast. Now I feel fine. Iam 2 months.

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

I have 1 a day, vit. c, iron, and a couple more I cant think of right now. The doctors gave me a list.

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?

Nausia was the worst. I still have a slight belly ache when I first eat or drink everyday. I havent had many problems.

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

For me the worst part was being sick from the mal rotation. The G tube was crummy.

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

I go to a support meeting every month. I started them 8 months befor surgery. They are great. You should find a group and go. They give good addvise.

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

My scare is thin and long. It was much better then I was expecting. It is about 1/8" wide.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have a plateau every week. I stay the same for a couple days then I loose 2 lbs. Not so bad. I am now 6 months out and I have lost 78% of my excess weight!!!!!! I feel great

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.not at first, but now that Iam 1 year out they do treat me differant. They look at me in a wow type of way. I went from 244.5 to 124 and still loosing a pound here or there. I was a size 24 now I wear a size 5 jeans. I feel great. It only took 8 months. I have lost 89% of my excess weight.