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

The physician that manages my diabetes. About a year and a half ago he said it would be the only way that I was going to lose weight.

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

I feel that I was very lucky as far as insurance goes I got approval the first itme it was sent.

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

The best thing a patient can do is research information on bariatric surgery. Be prepared with questions and information.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I take 8 different diabetes and blood pressure meds a day and knew the only way I could get off of them was to have the surgery

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I started out thinking I wamted a lapband but after seeing the surgeon he said that I would have an 83% chance of resolving my diabetes with a roux-en-y.

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?

Have positive attitude. Do everythig you can to be prepared and understand what is going to happen to you

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?

To my surprise my family was supportive of my decision. I do keep them informed.

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

They were accepting and supportive but due to some complications I was off work for 10 weeks.

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

Miami Valley Hospital has a unit specifically for bariatric patients. All the rooms are private with ceiling fans. The nursing staff are trained to care for bariatric patients.

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

Yes, I was readmitted to the hospital the day after my discharge. I developed a bowel obstruction and illeus was sent home on TPN which sent my blood sugar out of control.

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

Horrible, I had lost my energy, was dry heaving, and had terrible chest pain and was readmitted to the hospital was placed on anxiety and depression meds.

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

Adjusting to a new way of life is difficult there really is no way to prepare for the changes that will take place. Giving up the foods you love is the most difficult change a person will go through.

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

15-20 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.

They really haven't changed I just don't eat as much. At times I am not able tolerate bread or eggs.

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

I was not able to exercise until after about 12 weeks. I returned to work after 10 weeks.

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

Multi-vitamins twice per day B12 2500 mg per day Zantac 150 mg twice per day Upcal D 1500 mg per day

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?

nausea/vomiting for 10 weeks

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

The whole bariatric process I would never recommend this surgery to anyone

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

There are support groups for the program I don't feel they are helpful. I found that most people are not giving perspective patients truthful information

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

I have a 20 inch incision due to the fact that I had two different surgeries on the same day

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO