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

A friend at work had it done and was successful. I thought that was great, but wondered if I really could do it.

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

It was okay, except that my insurance company changed the rules just before my initial date, so it had to be postponed for two months for further approval.

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

I first went to a seminar about the different weight loss surgeries they offered. I had thought I would do the lap-band, but decided upon gastric bypass instead.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that this was my last hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At this seminar they went over different things about the surgeries. I had a prior disability that makes it almost impossible for me to walk, so I knew then that lap-band wouldn't be for me because of all of the exercise requirements. I realized that gastric bypass would be the best option.

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 fears because when I had my knees replaced I contracted the MRSA infection and almost died, leaving me disabled in my legs. I was worried about infection. This still didn't make me shy away from my last hope.

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 daughter, an RN, was concerned about me having gastric bypass because of infection and my past experience. After I explained the differences in surgeries, she was very supportive.

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

I was on disability so this wasn't an issue.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was really excited hearing about successes and realizing that I wasn't the heaviest person alive!

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

I was in the hopsital for five days, mostly because it was difficult to walk because of my disability. This made it harder for me to get back on my feet. The nurses were wonderful at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hospital. My doctor, Dr. Ferrell is the best and he's funny too!

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

No.

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--not worried! I couldn't wait to get started on my new life.

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

I was very nauseas and was afraid it wouldn't go away. My nauseausness lasted about two months--so folks should know this is a possibility. Also, when I first got home, I had to have help getting to the bathroom (probably because of my disability, too).

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

The hospital is about 45 minutes away. It didn't affect anything as I live in the country and am used to travelling distances for everything!

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 couldn't eat beef very well--and still, after 6 months, have difficulty with it. I couldn't eat salad for about 5.5 months. I couldn't drink cold water right after eating, and that still bothers me sometimes. I still sometimes vomit if i drank water too fast after eating. I haven't even tried sugary items, as I am a diabetic--so I don't know how that would affect me. I get diariah (sp?) after eating some vegetables like broccoli. I still can't tolerate raw vegetables well like carrots.

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

Very little activity, but I am disabled--my legs don't work well!

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

I take Estroven with Multi-vitamins.

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 nausea lasted over two months. I still have dumping syndrome if I drink water too fast after eating. My hair has thinned and I lose it more every day. The hair loss is the most disturbing. I am looking into what to do about the hair and am seeing someone about it this week.

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

The pain just after surgery.

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

I went to a local support group that turned out to be more of a social thing. I mostly talked with other folks who had had the surgery through email or personal contact.

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

My scars are still dark after 6 months. I really don't know what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at 60, 70, and 80 pounds loss. They all lasted about two weeks. I didn't get discouraged as I was told it would happen.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't get out much because of my disability--but folks at church keep telling me how proud they are of me.