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

When 3 of my girlfreinds had it done back 2002&2003. I was glad that they were getting help for their obesity. I thought to myself well you are the big one now.

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

My husband is in the military and we are stationed in Germany. It is ALOT easier to be approved overseas than back in the states. I can only speak from my esperience and say that I am glad that mine only took maybe a month to a month and half from talking to my Dr. and getting the approval for surgery.

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

He was very freindly. He told me everything they were gonna do. I saw all the patients coming and goind out of his office. I knew he was the right one for me. To get the most out of this meeting make sure all your questions and concerns are answered before you leave. My dr. gave me all of his phone numbers and even his email for me to ask anything after I left.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This year (2007) I was diagonsed with hypertension, sleep apena. Also my grandfather passed away and he was overweight and every since I can remember he had high blood pressure and heart attack after heart attack.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My dr. said that the

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 was very scared about dying and leaving my husband of 17 years and my 2 children. I was scared that I wouldn't get to see them grow up and get married and start a family of their own someday.

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 family and freinds are supportive but worried at the same time. It didn't help that I was having it done in another country

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

Mu employer was great with it. She even told me that was thinking about getting it done. I told her that I was going to be out 6-8 weeks for surgery. She asked what kind and I told her that I was having Gastric Bypass. She said great and for me to keep her informed.

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 5-6 days. My stay wasn't that bad it was just getting over the language barrier. I was Frankfurt, Germany for mu surgery. You will need to bring pjs once you can shower, all your personal bathroom needs from toothbrush to towels. You can even bring 1-2 outfits if you are able to get up and walk around. Outfit to go home in ( comfy clothes).

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

I had no complications from surgery. The only problem I had was the self medications were to strong for me. I would take it and in five min I was red in the face,sweating and I got very sleepy. Needless to say the 2nd day after surgery I wasn't taking it.

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 ok at first. The closer it got to my surgery date I was wondering if I had agree to do the right thing. I just talked to my family and they reassured me that everything was gonna be okay and to look at the after effects it would have on my life. That is how I got through it. With love and support.

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

My first couple of weeks home I got tired really easily. I would try and do to much. Then I would have to rest a couple of hours. Every person is differnt after any type of surgery. Once I got home I got back in the routine of getting my kids up and ready for school, cleaning a little at a time walking the dog around the block. You have to get up and just do it. If you just sit around you won't get any energy back. I still tired from walking up and down my staris but I still have to do it.

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

I had to travel 3 hours away to have my surgery. So the ride home was not to bad I just couldn't get that comfortable. My husband brought me a pillow so I could put the between my sealt belt and my staples. When we stopped for gas or for him to eat I got out walked a little bit very slowly but we made it home. As soon as we got home I drove myself to the grocery store and very slowly bought a few items that I needed.

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.

When I came home from the hospital I was on a liquid diet until my first month follow up appt. So during that time I could only eat broths,water,hot tea,sf popcicles. After my follow up I could eat soft foods. Mashed potatoes,rice,sf pudding (no chocolate anything)otameal,creamof whaet,1/2 of mini bagel toasted or 1/2 of english muffin toasted. Now I just try one new food every 3-4 days. I can't tolerate anything chocolate,bannanas,tomatoes,sf koolaid or crystal light.

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

I was tired at first but every day I got a little stronger. By 2 1/2 weeks I was at the gym on the treadmill for 20 min. Then light weights for my upper body. I am 7 weeks post op and I do light weight on my stomach area to try and tighten some of it back up. I started my multivitamins and my b12 shot once a month and I have more energy. I can tell when my month is alomost up for my shot I start to drag a little more.

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

My dr put me on a prenatal vitamin and the B12 shot once a month.

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 only vomited twice since surgery and that is cause I ate to fast. With sleep I wake up during the night with a dry mouth I keep a bottle of water by my bed. I haven't had the dumping syndrome yet (thank goodness) My hair has fallen out a little not enought to freak out about. I am sure something will happen sooner than later just keep waiting for it.

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

For me it was that I worked myself up before surgery worring about everything. What happens if I die on the table? Did I tell my family I love them enough that sort of thing. Then just waiting for the drainage tubes and staples to come out. It is and will be a struggle for me to drink water on a daily basis. Just keep pushing forward. It will be worth it in the end!!!!!

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

I have a support group that meets once a month. They have been very helpful with any questions that I have. We have drs and so many other speakers. We are planning to go out as a group for dinner so we can see what is the best way to eatout.

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

My scars are not that bad. I had 10 staples. 2 incinsions above my belly button with 3 apiece and below my belly button I had 2 incinsions 1 had 3 staples and 1 had only 1 staple. Then on either side of those I have to small incinsions where my drainage holes were. They are healing up great. Iam glad they do it this way now instead of 1 big scar from top to bottom.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I have had no plateaus (knock on wood)!!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I went through a check point the ohter day for a military installitaion and the guard was flirting with me. That hasn't happened in so long I didn't know what to do.