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

I saw an advertisement. It was suggested by a nurse at my physcians office.

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 problem at all. The paperwork was submitted on a Thursday and I had the approval by the following Monday.

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

It was wonderful. He was very caring and nice. One can get the most out of this meeting by having prepared questions prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was either that or have knee surgery. I was tired of being overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just made the decision b/c I knew that I needed the procedure that would be more beneficial to me.

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 just put it all in GOD's hands, prayed and left it at that.

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?

I didn't tell that many people. Only certain family members knew. No, I would not have communicated anything differently. They were and still are very supportive.

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

My employer and co-workers were very supportive of my decision. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

My stay was okay. I feel like the hospital staff (CNA's/Techs)could have been more attentive. My stay was for 2.5 days. I brought everything from cell phone, toiletries, clothing, reading materials. I only used my cell phone.

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

No complications. I would recommend that an ice pack is put on you after you have the surgery. It helps to alleviate the pain during the hospital stay and after you arrive at home.

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 was fine! Up and about in my own surroundings with family and friends made a world of difference.

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

Each day is a different day. Each person experiences something different. I really can't speak on expectations.

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

Maybe about 10-15 miles.

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.

Mainly rice. I also can't eat chicken if prepared in a certain way.

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

In the days after my surgery, I had minimum activities. As the days went on I was able to do more activities such as walking, going up and down stairs and standing for a longer period of time.

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

Calcium, Multivitamins, B12, Orso

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 have little dumping. When I have forgotten that I have eaten or drank something with the 30 minute time-frame. I am just beginning to experience hair loss (8 weeks).

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

The pain after the surgery and having to take all the vitamin supplements.

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

The Bariatric Center at St. Agnes offers monthly meetings.

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

I have 5 little incisions. Only two are really noticeable. I am really surprised at how well they look.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I notice when I don't eat every day at least two meals, it appears that I have not lost any weight. But when I eat like I am suppose to, I lose weight quite rapidly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, b/c not everyone knows. They think that I am doing quite well on my diet.