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

I found out about WLS through my cardiologist who recommended Dr. Ganta. I scheduled a consultation, and the rest, they say, is history! :-)

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

I was fortunate in that my insurance paid for my procedure (gastric bypass) but required a 3 month weight loss program. I am so glad I had to do the 3 month program as I re-learned how to eat during this period. i attribute my success to this. I knew how to eat, watch portion size, chew lots and what kinds of food I should be eating before my WLS.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Ganta was awesome; he took so much time with me and was so patient with my questions. He never forced a procedural choice on me but rather allowed me to make my own decision based on his input and my research.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Healthy reasons prompted me to do the WLS, and if I could do it over again, I would change nothing. I am off all major medications and went from a size 28 to a size 6!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked to both Dr. Ganta and my cardiologist, and I did research on my own regarding procedures and my surgeon.

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 nervous but Dr. Ganta outlined all complications going into WLS. He allayed all my 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?

My family has been so supportive and always have food I can easily eat when I go over for outings.

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

I retired before WLS, so no one knew.

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

Absolutely, the session was so informative, and Dr. Ganta stayed after to answer my questions. I would recommend attendance at a seminar for anyone considering WLS.

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

My stay was wonderful; everyone was so attentive. I stayed 2 1/2 days. Dr. Ganta made sure my pouch was not leaking before I was given food, and I didn't need to take anything (besides a book to read) as everything I needed was provided.

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

None whatsoever!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

My recovery was quick and was driving by the fifth day. I walked as much as I could, and this helped to speed my recovery.

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

I would encourage everyone to walk around the house as much as possible. I had some pain, and the morphine pack I went home with was able to come out on the third day. By the end of the week, I was almost pain free. Overall, I had a pleasant experience. Follow the diet to the letter!

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

I did not travel far at all; surgery was close to home, so I was able to go home with no problems.

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.

At first I was on liquids only, and over the months I have discovered that I cannot tolerate bread, chicken (unless very tender), any processed sugar, and milk. I now find I can handle coconut and/or almond milk, agave nectar to sweeten and have discovered herbs I never tried before to limit my salt intake. I still have a protein shake a day (about mid-afternoon) to ensure I get all my protein. Dr. Ganta gave me a pretty clear cut "rule of thumb" regarding food: protein, veggies, fruit (in that order). I find I do well when I consume my food this way. I still have great difficulty with sweets and have let these go as I don't enjoy the discomfort from eating them.

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

Truthfully, I was a slug before surgery; post-op I walked, walked, and walked. I then moved to a personal trainer and now exercise every day (Zumba, Pilates, weight/strength training--alternating each). I am so cognizant of my target heart rate now and stay within my peak cardio zone. I feel the best I have ever felt in my life!

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

I take Bariatric Advantage chewable multi-vitimans (2) daily, 1000 mgms of Vitamin C (Emergen-C Blueberry) daily, 1500 calcium citrate (chews - 3), B-12 monthly injections, JadeGreenZymes (barley grass nutrients/antioxidants) and Ciaga daily.

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?

When I tried to eat foods I shouldn't (sweets)the nausea was the worst, but since I have eliminated these there is no longer a problem. I still have sleep disturbance but have found that when I exercise late afternoon followed by a warm bath, I sleep better.

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

The first several months of relearning to eat: liquids, soft and pureed foods and the pain. However, walking daily helped the recovery process for me.

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

My friends and family have been great and always have food available that they know I can eat well. They never try to "talk me into eating/drinking things" that are not good for me. This is critical to any WLS patient. Without the support I don't know if I would have been as successful. Also, Dr. Ganta's office has been awesome as far as support; he encourages me to always do better and to that extra mile.

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

My scars are minimal and actually look better than I expected. They barely show now, but I used body butter after surgery and this helped with fading.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Actually, I think I am an anomaly as I have not plateaued at all and am still losing weight 22 months out. I am where I want to be and am playing with exercise to help me maintain now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely! I believe this is a sad commentary for us as humans, though. When I was 300+ pounds, I was "invisible" to people, but now I am noticed by both males and females. We should not have to be a certain size or weight for others to find us "noticeable."