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

I heard about bariatric surgery through the media. My first impression was that the surgery had far to many risks.

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 and my insurance covered it. I would advise others to check their insurance out to be sure WLS isn't excluded and then what if any rules apply such as you must be on a 6 month supervised weight program as many insurance company want this.

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 for the most part ok. I was there from noon Thursday until Saturday morning. My pain pump was not working though and my BP got very high due to the pain from the surgery. The most important thing to bring besides a good support person was comfortable clothing to wear when leaving the hospital.

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 felt eleated that I was taking steps to make my life better. I was looking forward to being more healthy. I felt bad most of the time and so I just felt excited at the prospect of regaining my health.

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

The weight dropped off very quickly. I was able to walk around my large yard which i could not do before surgery. I did miss the act of chewing even though I was not hungry.

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

I traveled 175 miles. I made my trips for aftercare and missed none of them. I will be returning next month for my annual bloodwork.

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 am over 4 years out now. At first it was only liquids for the first week. Then I ate watered down oatmeal and broth. Sugar free popsickles were great as they gave flavor and I believe it is good for the internal swelling. Poultry was hard to digest and went down like a box of rocks. I still have trouble with any kind of dry meats. I ate no sweets at all for 2 years at least. Ground beef was tolerated much easier. To much fat would make me sweat and have to lie down. eating quickly was also not a good thing, and still isn't.

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

I joined Curves only 2 weeks after surgery and I still go. I am a circuit coach at a local Curves. I excersice 4 times a week.

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

I take 1200 mg Calcium citrate. 2500 mcg B-12. I take a multi vitamin. 400 IU Vitamin E. I quit taking iron as it caused me severe constipation. I am beginning to get RLS and I think I will have to search for some type of iron that will not give me problems. I will be discussing this with my bariatric surgeon next month.

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

none. I do believe I should have more aftercare support.

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

No it is much less than I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I dropped 190 pounds and have put back on 30 pounds and stabilized.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes