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

I've always been aware of surgery, though I never met the guidelines for bypass surgery. I was referred to Dr. Schwartz for another problem that I was dealing with and while waiting in the room for him, my s.o. and I played toss the tummy display. I read about it and became excited for the possibility

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

I became discouraged as all of my medical records for a 3 yr period came up missing as my dr at that time lost her medical license and the practice shut down and the only thing that arose during the formal investigation is an ob-gyn referral. The other dr prior to that disgarded as too much time had passed. With that said, I only had about 2 yrs worth of documentation. I did not have any of the co-morbidities, I did not provide any weight tracker or food diary or exercise journals that were required. I wrote letters of what my problems were and I had a team of excellent drs (pcp, nuero, paim mgmt & another dude) who wrote letters of reccomendation. My packet was probably less then 3inches thick. I did have the pshyc eval & diet eval. Once my insurance was submitted, I had an approval within 5 days and the call actually came on my birthday this year.

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

I actually met with the dr's assistant who will being the one handles all the fills. Scott was very helpful and brokedown what the insurace wanted as it just became a covered benefit pending review. All I can say is ask questions. No question is a dumb question!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of taking 10-12 pain pills a day and 2 muscle relaxers to sleep at night. My stomach couldn't handle it any longer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the lap-band procedure as it is the safest at this point in time.

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?

My complication came by way of a reaction to a blood thinner that was given. This type is very rare, but it can happen. My blood was so thin that I began to hemmorage. What I thought was a bruise on my tummy was actually the blood pooling in my stomach.

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 friends/ family and co-workers have been very supportive as they know what my paim management routine was.

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 very supportive. My boss believes in having healthy employees. So I was given all the time I needed.

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

My 1st stay was great. I was put into a private room in the new wing that just opend months prior. I brought my pig, Mr. Sanders who is my security blanket and that was it.

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

Yes I did have complications and I detailed it in part 1 of this survery.

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 feel great. I'm on the eve of my 1st fill. I do feel sluggish and that is just becase of the complication that I had. It will take several months for my engery levels to be back to normal once my blood levels get back on point.

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

Allow yourself time to be alone to relax. Let others take care of you. I always look at myself in the mirror. Take your medications if you need them. Don't be hard headed like some people like the one doing this survey.

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

My hospital is just under 10 minutes away from me, so it was no problem at all.

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 just followed my outline for liquids during week 1 and weeks 2-4 softy mushy foods. I'd be lying if I told you I didn't cheat. Because I did. Not much, very little actually and it was only to take the pimple off my tounge. Then my craving for the no-no foods were gone.

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

It was ok, but I landed back in the hospital 48 hrs after coming home. I'd have to say week 2-3 I seemed to pick up.

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

I haven't taken any. I think I should though.

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 had bad gas bubbles for the first week and a half. I had a problem doing the "deed" as well. All the stool softners and laxitives did not help at all. But I must say that when the flood gates opened, I was singing a mighty praise and walking slow as my bum hurt someting fierce. *LOL*

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

No worst part for me, the scariest part was finding out I was hemmoraging for several days and did not know it. Had I not said something to the ER nurse about my cool bruise, I probably would not be here writing this survey.

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

I've only been to 1 support group meeting and that was last November. I will resume this upcoming Saturday.

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

I have 4 small holes and 1 that is a little longer than an inch. It is healing nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've reached my 1st plateau and I've been stuck at 224lbs for the past several days. That is why I'm having my fill tomorrow 8/27/08

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. Only the people in my inner circle and co-workers and a few patients at work know. Everyone has been very supportive because someone knows someone that has had some type of wls.