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

It was mentioned by a friend and I got very intrigued. I did research and read alot of profiles from other people. I read horror stories, but most of them were very encouraging

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

I went to the consultation and Dr. Boustany wrote the insurance company and I was approved inside of the first week

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

Mine went very well. Most of all ASK QUESTIONS!! No matter how unnessecary you think they are. They will all get answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was on the rapid decline.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor explained the most successful and we did 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 almost backed out at the last minute, because all of the fear you didn't think about before came rushing in all at once. My doctor reassured me over the phone in his office and in pre-op. All of the risk is well worth the results.

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 were very supportive, my family... well it took more convincing. Afterward they were 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 am disabeled.

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

I was very pleased with my nurses and staff. I will stress if you or any of yoour loved ones have any questions during your stay in the hospital, be sure you ask them and get an answer that you are comfortable with. My stay was 2 days. I went in on Wed. morning and went home Fri. evening. As far as important things to bring..Oversized comfortable sweat pants (with a drawstring) loose comfy underwear, and a big shirt (T-shirt) at least one size larger than normal. You have to allow for swelling. All of these things listed are for your return home.

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

I personally didn't have any complications. I will give you a heads up...you will have a catheter, and a drain tube. Mine were in for my entire stay. You will be sore and tired, but you will probably get a morphine drip. It works wonderfully!!

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 couldn't wait for the day to come. I knew my life was going to change dramatically. The day of surgery, every thought, fear, or apprehension comes rushing in times 10. I called the doc.'s office and talked with him, and he reminded me that he thought I was making the right decision, but, the decision was mine nonetheless. I also had alot of support from my mother and friend at the hospital with me.

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

You get alot of mental questions like "did I do the right thing?, What happens if I do something wrong?" You long to be healed so life can return to "normal". The first day you can actually leave the house is wonderful! Even just going to Wal Mart and riding in the motorized cart is exciting. After a few days you realize how great fresh air is. If you didn't go many places before surgery due to easily getting tired or depression, everything changes. Your mental attitude changes for the better.

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

I only had to travel 30 minutes away. Make sure your ride home from the hospital is in a vehicle that is very comfortable. The hospital set it up for a nurse to come to my home for the first two weeks to monitor my sugar levels and blood pressure.

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.

For the first month after surgery I was only allowed to have liquids. Some advice, buy a small 8 oz jug. It will probably last you all day. ex(juice cut in half with water, beef or chicken broth, crystal light, and sugar free jello. After my one month appointment, he said I could try anything I thought I could tolerate except for cream sauces, ranch dressing, and NO RED MEAT, NO FRIED FOODS, ABSOLUTELY NO SUGAR!!!!! ex. ice cream, candy, pies, cakes, cookies...Carbonation is a definate no,no. After getting this news, I tried chicken, pork chops (boneless), pasta, rice, tomato sauce, etc.All in moderation. Think about the portion you used to eat and scrape all but 1/8 in the trash and you have your new portion! The doc said no less than 2 meals a day, but no more than 3. My meals were split into all four food groups, but if you do it right it really works into about 6 tiny meals a day. Drink all the water you want, but 30 min. before and 30 min. after meals. After my three month appt., he told me to try anything I wanted, sugar, fried foods, and carbonation excluded. Fast food is still not a good idea, due to the fat content. Remember to try to get your meat cuts as lean as possible. The best advice my doctor gave me is "if you go back to your same habits, you're going to be back at square one again". If you feel like a restaurant is way too tempting, don't go. Be sure to ask your doc for a restaurant card. This entitles you to a childs portion or the ability to share with a friend.

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

The first few days after, I tired easily. You have to go very gradual. Even if you feel great, don't push yourself too hard.

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

Multi vitamin, b-12, iron, and calcium.

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?

The worse one I've had is hair loss. But, the doc did said that it will grow back.

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

the anxiety and the liquid diet are the worst things in my book.

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

I have six 1/4 inch cuts spread out on my belly. I was hoping I would only have the smaall ones.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really. People are telling me how good I'm doing and giving great support.