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

After I decided to look into having the WLS, I propped myself up at a computer and began researching all that was available. This site has been the most helpful of all that I had found. I researched all types of WLS and decided to go with the VBG. I felt that was the on for me. My initial impression of it was "Why didn't I think of this sooner" Maybe I would not have had to suffer years of not living. I actually felt for the past 3 years that I was slowly dying. I now have a renewed jest for life. I really think I can make it now.

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

I had no trouble with the insurance. I was told that with Medicare approval was not necessary. That they would pay as much as they were going to pay and not to worry about it. So I didn't. After the insurance paid all it was going to, I will owe approximately $1,000 for deductables and 20% of what was approved.

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

I feel that before you go for your first visit, read and find as much information as possible. Make a list of questions to take with you. My doctor answered all my questions and then some. During the first visit I was told to consult my psychiatrist. I called my psychiatrist that day and was in to see him within 2 days.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was having pain when I walked. I had no energy. And I wanted my life to be better than it had been. I felt I was trapped.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all the types of procedures. After reviewing them, I decided on the VBG mainly because this procedure was less invasive. I was concerned about the malabsorbtion since I have been on wellbutrin for depression. I knew that I needed to keep my depression under control.

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 greatest fear was the pain I would have. Dying did cross my mind, however I felt in my heart that everything would be ok. I wrote letters to all my children, and grandchildren. I cried during that time but I felt so much better after I had that taken care of. I felt as if there was nothing unsaid and it cleared my mind.

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 sister and 3 of my children were very supportive. My parents, brother and 1 of my children were not supportive at all. However that did not deter me from doing what I had to do for me. Yes, it hurt my feelings, but they did not walk in my shoes.

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

I have been disabled since 2000 so I did not have that to deal with.

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

My stay at the hospital was very uneventful. Everything went smooth, without complications. I have done everything my doctor told me to do. I was there for 4 days. The most important things that I took to the hospital was a back brace for support (was a lifesaver), and comfortable clothing. I felt that I could tolerate walking better with the back brace because of the support at my incision site. My doctor did not order it, but she said that was a great idea.

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

I was very blessed. No complications at all. I was up within 4 hours walking. Yes, I was sore, but I knew that I would has less soreness if I did what I was supposed to do.

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

In the weeks after I received my surgery date I felt that I was ok with it. However, I began having panic attacks very frequently. I am not really sure why, except this was a major change I was about to embark on. I coped with my anxiety by learning all I could about what is normal and what to do after surgery. The most important tool was this site. I thank AMOS for all the information provided.

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

The first few weeks home was mostly resting, walking, reading, sleeping. I continued to have panic attacks after I got home for about 1 month. Now it has been 2 months since surgery and I continue to do well. I have followed my doctors instructions. What people should expect from this period is to do what you can, don't be too hard on yourself, and follow doctors orders.

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

My hospital was within 25 miles of my home. I am so thankful that it was very convenient for me.

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.

My doctor released me to eat puddings, jello, applesauce for the first week following surgery. I went for my 2 week check-up and she said to try some chicken pieces. She told me not to eat pork, rice or beef. I have tolerated my food with minimal difficulty. The main thing that I could not tolerate was sauces, and dairy products. I now tolerate those items. Some times I can eat more than others. I continue to struggle with getting in all my protien and water. I try to do the best I can though.

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

I walked everyday after surgery, increasing my activity each day. I now have been doing resistant exercises, yoga, and walking. My energy level has increased tremendously. I feel so much better now than I did before surgery.

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

I started taking vitamins as soon as I talked with my doctor about having surgery. I have continued to take them, plus I take a Vitamin B12, and biotin. I was really concerned about maybe losing my hair. So far I have not. My hair is so thin anyway.

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 worst thing that I have had problems with right after surgery was a sleep disturbance. I had trouble falling asleep. Maybe because I was uncomfortable due to the soreness. I would prop myself up on pillows so I could breath better and position myself so that i would be more comfortable. I had trouble with my sleep for approximately a month.

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

The worst part about having the surgery was pain during the 3rd and 4th week. I was no longer taking pain pills, only tylenol and I was uncomfortable mainly while getting up and down from the couch or out of bed.

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

The only aftercare support I have has been AMOS. I do not know what I would have done without this site for information and support. I continue to have questions, and continue to need support from all of you. I feel as if we are all connected spiritually.

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

My scar is approximately 8 inches long. It has healed very nicely and looks great. I could not have hoped for anything better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first 3 weeks I lost 25lbs, then nothing. For the next 3 weeks I did not lose 1lb. However, I continued to follow the plan. On the 7th week I lost 8 lbs. I was really getting nervous because it had been so long before I started losing again. I just had to be patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have really been complimenting me on my weight loss. My granddaughter told me that it looked like I had lost weight and that I looked younger too. That made my day.