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

I was referred by my primary care physician to Dr. Terry-I wanted to get something done about it--it was putting my health in danger.

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

very informative

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that if I didn't have it--I would not live long!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I think the dr. decided what one would be best for my situation, & I trusted him fully.

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?

Put your trust in your surgeon, he or she knows what they are doing, & they are very supportive & helpful in the post-op phase as well.

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?

They agreed with my decision, and they were very supportive after the surgery--they are still supporting me today!

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

I have been disabled since January 1989.

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

I don't remember how long I was there, but it is always important to have a positive attitude about it.

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

If I had any, I don't remember. The weight loss surgery wasn't the only procedure I had that day. I had a complete hysterectomy (for stage 1 cancer), my gallbladder out, excess skin from my belly (as well as my belly button)removed, & a ventral hernia repair. They said that I had been in surgery for about 11-11 1/2 hours.

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 talked with my doctor & family, & my church that I belong to.

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

trying to deal with the changes can be hard, but it helps if you have a good support system.

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

I traveled from Rolla,MO to Columbia,MO to have my surgery. I still go there for my follow-up checkups/consultations with Dr. Terry.

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.

The major change for me was the fact that I can only eat small amounts at a time now, & I know that it will be like that for the rest of my life.

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

slow, at times, but I try to stay active when possible.

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

I take a multivitamin, & I give myself B12 shots every other month (that will be done for life.)

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 think the ones that bothered me the most were the nausea & vomiting-I kept an eye on it, & consulted my dr. when necessary.

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

just being afraid of what was happening, even though I knew that I wanted & needed this done to save my health & life!

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

I go to psychological rehabilitation at Pathways here in Rolla, as well as my psychiatrist & community support worker. I also have my church family supporting me as well (my primary care dr. belongs to the same church that I do).I also see Dr. Terry periodically--all of it is very helpful,as well as important for me.

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

my scar is from hip-to-hip, & up the middle a little bit.I wasn't sure what to expect in that area.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people can tell & notice the changes in me.