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

Co-workers and friends, I was very scared of it. It took me two years of denial to finaly get it through my head it was the answer. After attending on a whim a seminar by Dr. Brian Gluck it all became clear he could help me.

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

I had no problem getting approval, Dr. Gluck's office was so good at walking me through everything and that really made the difference. Pick a good Bartaric team!!!!

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

He was very supportive explained three differnt kind of surgery , which he thought was best for me, but told me not to decide untill I was ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Talking to people who had already had surgery, and the support of my family and friends, and ofcourse Dr. Gluck and his great support group

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the Roux-en-y, because I know I need to have things laid out in front of me and with the others you can eat almost anything and I was not sure I could handle that.

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 very scared of something going wrong I even made comments at work about if I don't come back! Don't be scared if you have a great Doctor, and a team who has been there and done that they will take care of you. My team all have had the same surgery and were there for me anytime I had a question.

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 family knew how I have tried to lose weight for so many years, they saw me go through so many programs and different kinds of RX drugs anf to return to my same old weight. They have been great!!!

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

They also supported me in my decision, I guess hearing me complain and seeing how depressed I would get to lose 20 lbs. and gain it back so many times, they knew it was right for me. I am still off as we speak but will go back on Nov 16th, my surgery was on Oct. 10th, so it will be about 5 weeks.

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

Good they had me up and walking within two hours after surgery, I was admitted on Wed and went home on Fri. The hospital I was at you really didn't have to bring anything, I took PJ's and slippers etc. but I never used them they had me stay in the gowns and slippers they provided, I brought reading Matieral but didn't use it much because every chance I got I walked, that is the ticket walk walk walk!!!

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

No everything went great

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 got my date in July for and October surgery, I wish it would have not been so long to wait, that is a little stressfull, but I guess it was good because in that time I did alot of reserch on my surgery

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

I was very sore where the went in with the tools on my left side, nothing I couldn't handle kind of like if you were kicke in the side. I still walked not far at first but I think the more you walk the easier it gets. Do not over do it and watch the lifting.

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

An hour and a half from my home, but it was worth it to have such a good Dr. On my way home I needed to stop and walk a couple of times but that was fine. I wish I was closer to the Dr. because there is alot of app and classes but I will go because that is what keeps you on track!

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.

It is to soon to tell I will be three weeks on Wed. and will start to have soft foods, so I really don't know what I will be able to eat and not eat yet

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

It will be three weeks and I walk up to three miles a day, The walking has keep me going, don't sit around!

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

Because i have my gallbladder I take a rx to prevent gallstones, multivitiam twice a day, b12 every other day, calcium citrate twice a day and previcd to help in the healing of the stomach

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?

so far I have been very lucky none of the above, it is really to early to tell.

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

Sleeping the first three days I was very sore, and I like to sleep on my side and that was very hard on my left side. I learned to wear my belly binder and that really helped.

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

So far just my weekly app. but we do have a group in our town I have to call and find out when.

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

small and no problem looks a little scary at first because there are six small incesions, but nothing bad

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

To early to tell

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but I havent returned to work yet