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

A coworker had it done. At first I thought it was pretty drastic, but the more I thought about it I figured if really helps and I want a better quality of life that this is something I need to look more into.

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

I didn't have any problems. I was approved after 1st letter.

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

My first meeting went well. I went with all my records from previous tests and luckly the Dr. excepted them. So the only thing I had to do was meet with psycologist and nutrientist. I had done researched on the internet so I was pretty well informed about everything. I was pretty confident the dr would except me for surgery since my PCP had referred me there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be healthy again. I have type 2 diabetes and have a lot of pain in my back and knees. I want a longer & better Quality of life. I can enjoy my grandchildren someday.

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 feel I'll deal with what ever comes. I have my faith in Jesus that will bring me through this. Just pray that the Lord gives time on earth a little longer to enjoy the things he created.

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 or son is not comfortable with my decision, but my daughter is okay with it. They will support me through this. They are scared for me. I think being informed and reading all you can helps.

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

My manager offered to have me talk to a friend that has had the surgery. They are very understanding. They are excited for me.

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

I was in the hospital 2 nights. St. Margarets was great the staff there were wonderful. I didn't really bring anything they provided everything there. If you are driving a long distance I would bring a pillow for your stomach to put under the seatbelt. Also bring your address book I felt so good that I called everyone.

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

No complications....Yea!!!

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 kept myself very busy so I wouldn't think about it. The last week before was hard. But I knew this was going to be the best thing for me if I wanted to be healthy again...

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

I have been home a week nowand I feel really good. In this first week I expereinced alot of fustration because I was hungry and the smells from food were awsome.. but my family were very supportive of me and kept reminding me this will get better, and it did. Now I can have pureed foods and its much better. I have a recliner lift chair that has been so useful. I don't have to pull my self up. I slept in it till last night. I still sit in it during the day to help with getting up.

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

I had to travel 113 miles 2hrs and 15 minutes. it was worth every minute. I went back a week later after the surgery which was okay. My Dr. is worth the drive.

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.

First week only clear liquids, 60cc 4 times a day of caloric liquids and unlimited surgarfree liquids. NO POP. Week 2 I can eat pureed foods, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, anything pureed. Protein first. no desserts. only sugarfree pudding and jello. I'm 2 months post-op I can eat mostly anything only in small portions if I eat to fast, oh boy not good... lots of pain. I really don't miss not eating everything. I have a hard time getting all my water down me.

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

I could walk a little after surgery and a week later I walked at the Grove City Outlet mall. I sat down in between. I can go up and down stairs no problem. 8 weeks out I can do more know than before the surgery.

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

I am on B12, multivitamin chewable, and some protein shakes. and tums for calcium

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?

my hair is thinning but not too bad. I started taking Zinc. Someone told me that was good for hairloss. Its working. It stopped falling out. I also take biotin.

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

Drinking the gallon of nasty tasteing stuff the night before surgery. I though I was going to die...

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

none,only family..

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

Can hardly see them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, Much nicer, and the guys notice me more..