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

I found out thru a friend. I was so excited to learn that my insurance would cover this. I finally could do something that would change my life for the better.

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

I was very encouraging, my Dr. is so understanding. He made me feel like somebody, instead of putting me down for being overweight. He explained what my weight was doing to my health. And what the surgery could do for me. He explained everything so well I really didn't have any questions, other than how soon can I get this surgery, TOMMARROW!! And of course I couldn't but I tried anyway !

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of the quality of life that I had, tired of all of the diets that failed. Tired of being fat. Wanting a better life.

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 had alot of people around me that tried to get me not to have the surgery done. But I told them that I had put it God's hands and he would take care of me. I had no more worries about dying or anything that I couldn't get through. My advice is TRUST IN GOD!!!

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?

Some of both sides, but every one is suppoting me and encouraging now. Everyone tells me that they are proud of me. That makes me feel good about myself.

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

My stay at Saint Joseph East Hospital in Lexington, Ky. I couldn't have been treated any better any where, the nursing staff was so good to me in every way. Ihave not had anyone to give me a harsh word through this experince. That is a blessing in it's self. I went in on monday morning at 6:00 am for surgery, on tuesday afternoon at 4:00 pm I was being released to go home. I did really good. I really didn't need alot of anything, I took a gown and housecoat to come home in, and houseshoes with rubber soles, to keep from slipping. Deoderant, soap & shampoo. That's all I needed.

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

Yes, I had a little bit of trouble. I'm allergic to metal, so they had to use stitches on me and a couple of them got infected. I'm also allegic to tape or bandaid adhesive, so I broke out from the bandages. But other than that i did pretty good.

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 couldn't wait to have my surgery done. Iwas so excited I was counting the days. When it got close to the day I got more excited and a little nervous, not because of the surgery, just knowing that my life was going get better!! I gave eveything to God, and ask him to take care of me through this surgery and my recovery. He has done everything that I have ask him to do and more!!! I thank God for my life that I have now, I could not have done this without him by my side.

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

My most difficult time was when I came home from the hospital. I have a waterbed, I was so hard to get in & out of that bed!! But I think that it was good exercise, because in three days most of my soreness was gone, I think it helped me in the long run even though I didn't think so at the time. I also think that eveyones attitude has alot to do with it, if you have a good outlook on life then you will do good, if you dont you wont. That's my opinon.

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

about 23 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.

The first week was liquids only. The second & third week was pureed meats, the fourth week was cutting everything into very small ( the size of a pencil eraser) and chewing very good. After two months I started adding veggies one at a time. Sweets are totally off limits as well as starches & pasta, breads & potato. I have ate a little bite of potato and low carb bread (1/2 slice). I had trouble with beef, I guess its the texture of it, it's hard for me to digest. I eat mostly Tuna, Chicken, ham, egg & pimento cheese Salads. And try to eat meats also as i think I can tolerate it. It's getting better as I get further along. And I beleive that it will get a whole lot better than it is now.

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

At first it was hard to get my walking in. My Dr. wanted me to walk at least a mile a day. In the begining it was very difficult, so I would break it down into three 10 min. walks and built it up to a thirty min. walk. Now he wants me to walk 2 miles a day. So I will gradully add 10 min. to each walk to get up to 2 miles a day . 30 min. walk is about a mile, or it is for me.

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

I take 3 Flinstone chewable multi- vitamins with iron a day

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, vomiting & some dumping. I still have these sypmtoms, but their getting better. I'm just three months out from surgery. Sometimes when it gets bad it's hard to cope with it, I pray alot.

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

I really don't think it was bad at any point.

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

We have support group meetings, buit I haven't attended one yet. I plan to in the near future.

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

My scars are very small, mine was lapriscopic.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm at a plateau now. I'm trying different things now. I've been in the hospital for low potassium, flu & kidney infection. They gave me fluids for 5 days and that made gain about 8 or 9 lbs. So I had to lose that back, it makes it hard when you go through this a coulpe of times but you can get through it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!! Eveyone brags on the way I look now & wanting to know how much I have lost. That encourages me to keep going on.