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

I first heard of it 30 years ago. I had a friend whose sister did it. At that time it was a different process, but I wanted it just the same. Unfortunately, I could not pay. Eventually, I gave up on it and decided it was too dangerous. I was unaware of the changes which had made to the process. Finally, my primary care physician said those magic words after a 40 pound gain in a month. "I am going to refer you to a bariatric surgeon for gastric by-pass" I wanted to kiss him right then and there. And He will never know how much I love him for giving me a new life, no matter how much I tell him.

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

I was in the hospital for four or five days. The first day was rough, but I got through it. My sister was there for the first couple of days all the time so, I had someone to watch out for me. The hospital staff were competent but I believe there could have been more preplanning for my type of surgery.

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

Not one complication.

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 fat. The image of myself after I knew something could be done about my weight devastated me. For the first time in my life I allowed myself to see what others saw. And I didn't like it.

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

The first week is going slow. Learning how to move without hurting yourself. Drinking chicken broth and eating popsicles. Don't expect to go walking the first week. By the second week I could walk to the mailbox, which is something I could not do before the surgery. I went back to work 16 days after I got home from the hospital. I work in an office. The first couple of days, I got very tired, but by the end of the week, I was much better.

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

My surgeon and hospital is exactly 95 miles from my home. The aftercare is an occasional visit to the doctor and once a month support group. So far, it has not been a problem.

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.

10/11/02 I am 3 months post-op. The first 6 weeks are liquids. I could drink Broth, crystal light, coffee, tea, anything liquid. I had a problem with thick liquids, like tomato soup and mushroom soup. (I got a blocked stoma with the mushroom soup, won't do that again.) I could eat cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt,etc. At about 2 months I started eating chicken, shrimp, scallops, mashed potatoes,etc. Now I am 3 months out and I still have an occasional problem with green leafy vegatables, thick liquids, red meat and boy am I tired of chicken. I want a salad.

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

At a month I started walking at the gym every day after work. I haven't had a chance in the last 2 weeks to do this and now I am on a plateau. Monday, back to the gym faithfully.

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

I take 2 chewable flintstones per day, 6 Tums EX per day for calcium and Liquid Vitamin B-12 every day (one dose)

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?

Nausia and vomiting. I was nauseous (probably because I have battled chronic constipation) or I was vomiting. It took me almost 2 months after eating to learn how much is enough and that that last bite will make me sick. Sometimes, things still don't sit right (red meat) and I get the feeling like I need to vomit. Usually I don't though because, I have learned how much to eat at this point.

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

The lack of knowledge. I am in 2 support groups and we are all reading all the time. We share everything but it is like the blind leading the blind. I would like to go to educational classes to learn exactly what happens in my digestive tract now. That is the only way I will be sucessfull in the long term at having a healthy life.

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

I am in 2 support groups and am looking at getting into some kind of nutritional course at the local hospital.

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

It is larger than I expected, but it is not a problem. I am never going to wear a bikini anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on my first plateau. I have not been following my diet correctly. Awareness is the first step.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are friendlier, more open and more congenial. Men treat me more like a lady and women are more open.