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

I was thinking about it many years ago, but afraid of the complications, until my health started to get worse. I was always pleased to tell people that I had NO physical ailments due to my obesity. Then when the diabetes, the high blood pressure, etc started to take over my body, I talked to my doctor and he didn't push either way. He gave me the options and the time to decide for myself.

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

I did everything that I was asked to do and more. I went to my surgeon every month for 6 months pre-op and went to my own primary doctor each month for 6 months per-op. I was in contact with Optimal Health for the co-morbidities and the assistance they could give me. I went to 2 Psychiatrists for opinions to my ability to handle such surgery.

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

My surgeon was very patient, listened well, I went with many questions that I was given to ask from many in my life. He took the time to answer all of them and he invited me to call at any time as the questions would still keep coming to me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired and in pain. Afraid I would die from the complications that I was living with if I didn't have the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Gave that decision up to the doctor. Didn't want Lap Band as it was not a good way to lose weight fast. I didn't want to travel far to get fills. (PS...THE SPELLING OF PROCEDURES IS NOT CORRECT!!)

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 dealt pretty well with this. Better then I thought. I had so many to encourage me that I felt that either way I need to give it a try and work hard at it. One of my best friends said, well if you die at least the worst that could happen is you would go to heaven and that is reassuring! I thought that comment over and I was able to find comfort in it.

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?

Very Very well..nothing negative. Family worried some, but that is natural, they all gave me the space to make my own decisions. They all knew how I was suffering and getting more obese as the days and weeks went by.

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

My employer was pleased with my choice and I had enough sick leave to have off 3 weeks. I was so blessed...I AM SO BLESSED!

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

My stay in the hospital was good. Staffing and nurses were excellent and I felt like I was taken care of very well. I was very disappointed in the food service. Very poor service, as they put soda pop on my tray and 3 containers of juice and coffee. I felt like there wasn't any connection between the staff and the kitchen.

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

NOTHING

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 read alot of material, I talked to many on OH chatroom, I talked to friends that already had surgery. I was more excited then anxious.

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

The day home which was the third day after surgery it was terrible. Very sick and diaherra, as I was told that the body and bowels are just getting started again after sleeping. Remember that it is going to be hard to get everything in the you are going to be expected to eat and drink for awhile. Keep trying though, each day...

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

We live 1 hour away from the hospital. I wish that we lived closer or could have had a closer location for surgery, but it is fine for aftercare check-up. We (my husband and I) enjoy the ride.

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 ate only what the program said I should have the first 3 weeks, liquids, pureed foods. Then ate a couple of things that I should have waited another week longer. Cheese, beef, chicken, but I ate so very little. I have gotten nausea over some of the foods, but have not thrown up.

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

I started walking short distances the first few days, and up and down stairs for the bedroom. I have since been everyday walking 1-2 miles.

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

Multi-vitamins, B12 and Iron

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?

Almost all of those were helped with drugs. I tried sleeping in different areas, bed, chair, different bed.....but made the best of all of them knowing this too shall pass.

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

I wish that once you hit a certain time post-op that you were not in danger of complications.

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

I have Support Group 2 times a month at the hospital that I had the surgery. I go to all of them. I stay in touch with friends from that group. I have a sponsor/mentor. And I use OH chatroom daily.

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

Scars are fine...no big deal, who cares what they look like at 55 yrs old. They are scars!! I had a C-section, so now that scar has some buddies.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau's are not fun, but I keep telling myself the saying I made up...DON'T SWEAT THE STALL STUFF. I have/had to learn not to get on the scale so much and avoid the numbers game with the scale. I was still losing inches so stay off the scale dummy

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, people are very kind and hand out compliments alot now. But I also think that I am handling and caring myself differently. Much support still by all of them.