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

I can't quite remember where or when I first heard about bariatric surgery, but I researched it. At first I was apprehensive, I wasn't sure if this would be a good idea.

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 with getting approval for surgery. I have medicare and medicaid.

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

My first meeting was very informative, I first attended a group meeting where everyone was informed of all the choices, and risks. Also, Pros and Cons were discussed. Booklets were handed out and everything was discussed. Then we could decide right then and there or go home and think about it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided right then and there at the end of the meeting.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just did not like the idea of a tube and a port under my skin. It did not appeal to me at all. That is why I went for the roue-n-y gastric bypass.

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?

None, I was totally confident in my surgeon, his staff and the hospital. I just knew this was to be the beginning of my life, not the end.

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 immediate family was very supportive, my best friends were also supportive, but my husband was a little apprehensive. Now everyone is extremely supportive of my decision.

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

At the present time I am unemployed due to various physical problems that are almost all rectified.

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

I had my surgery on Tuesday and went home on Thursday. The staff were wonderful. They helped with every little thing. They also made sure that I got up and walked every four hours or so. The most important things to bring to the hospital--just your grooming items and something comfortable to wear home.

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

The only problem I had was a minor infection where the drain was left in for a week, but mine had to come out two days early.

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 tired, but great. I relaxed for about a week, then everything was back to normal.

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

I did so well, I don't recall anything to expect except that you really don't want to eat. But do your best to follow what the doctor says.

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

I was very lucky. I only had to travel 15 miles from my home.

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 lived on liquids mainly, sugar free pudding made with skim milk, sugar free jello, chicken broth, yogurt, and protein smoothies. It has been 8 months since my surgery and I still have problems with a lot of meat. Anything high in fat or sugar are strictly off limits, also corn and lima beans are hard to digest. It has to be a trial and error with each individual. Vegetables and fruits were easy to digest, but they lack protein. When food does not agree with me I put it on a list to try again at a later date. I still keep whey protein handy to make a smoothie when I don't feel like eating what I cook for my husband.

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

Right after surgery, my energy was zapped, but I pushed myself to walk a little each day. As the days went on I walked more and more. 5 months after surgery, I joined a gym and work out on weight machines, upper body cycle and the treadmill 5-7 days a week, I also try to do at least 2 classes of swimnastics. Now I don't feel right if I miss a day at the gym, but occasionally it can't be helped. I love starting my day off with my hour and a half at the gym.

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

I take a children's chewable vitamin, 2 extra strength Tums for the calcium, and vitamin B-12.

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 side effects I have experienced have been nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. The worst being the hair loss. The nausea comes once in a while, so does the vomiting(from time to time when you try something new), but the hair loss lingers for months. It wasn't extremely noticeable to others, but I knew what was in my hands when I washed my hair and combed my hair. It was a little scary. I even thought about buying a wig. But I made a more conscious effort to eat more protein.

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

The worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process was not doing it years ago. I wish I had gone through it when I was younger and my skin was more elastic. Waiting to do this until I was 57 was the worst part of it all.

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

There is a Bariatric Surgery Support Group in my area that meets once a month to discuss different topics, I do not attend these regularly, because I don't drive at night in the winter. I will wait until spring to attend these again.

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

I had laproscopic surgery and only have 6 tiny scars in different parts of my abdomen. Some of them can't even be seen anymore. It was really better than I thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I am just now experiencing a plateau, which I expected because I am nearing my goal weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At my age, most people do not treat me differently, but a lot of people I have known all my life, but see rarely, do not recognize me.