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

I knew a guy back in the 80's who had had it done, but didn't start thinking about it formyself until 2 years ago.

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

I was lucky to have good insurance - they gave approval in just a few days.

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

I had been to his informational session twice before meeting with him so I had a lot of my questions already answered. Plus going to support group helped a lot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being fat and I wanted to get healthy to be with my grandkids.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My knowing myself - my strengths and weaknesses

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 was really confident in my surgeon and hospital so I didn't really have a lot of fears.

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?

Most of them were very excited for me.

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

She was surprised, but felt I was being very brave. I was out 12 work days.

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

I had surgery on a Tuesday and left on Thursday. It was a great hospital and I had excellent care. I slept most of the time so I don't think you really need to bring much of anything.

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

None

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 excited to get it over with, but a little nervous as well. I just kept thinking of the positives.

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

To be tired. I slept a lot the first week. Didn't do much of anything the second week. Don't plan to do anything but sleep, rest and be good to yourself.

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

6 miles - in the same city.

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 was on liquid for a few days, then bariatric puree for 2 weeks, then soft bariatric for 2 weeks. I seem to be able to tolerate quite a few things. I can eat noodles and rice which I know can be difficult. I still don't do much beef. Mostly chicken and some ham.

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

pretty much non existant the first couple of weeks. I rejoined my exercise class after 6 weeks.

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

2 Flintstone chewables, 2500mg B12 once a week, chewable calcium citrate - 3X a day and at least 45-60 grams of protein.

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?

I was having a lot of problems with nausea and vomiting about a month afterwards. The doctor has given me meds to help with the acid in my stomach which has really been a huge relief.

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

I think the nausea and vomiting - that feeling of being so uncomfortable.

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

We have a support group that meets once a month and I have found this to be extremely helpful.

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

I have 5 small ones - laproscopic. Yes, they were what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost weight every week since surgery

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no