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

This is the last resort. Probably won't work.

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

Really no difficulty, the medical group I attend are very aware of the insurances requirements.

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

I have worked with these surgeons for a very long time at the hospital where they practice. This meeting was very difficult for me. Dr Hixson was very kind, supportive, considerate, and informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my PCP asked me about thinking about it. I told him I worried about the quality of life these people 20 years down the pike. My dr told me that I shouldn't worry this issue that I may not be around in 20 yrs if I stay the way I am and not do anything.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on laparoscopy so thatI will hopefully but up and around faster. RNY is the way this is done.

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 am still preop. I am still quite fearful, but I am as healthy as I can be and have been accepted for surgery after many tests. I have spoken to others that have had WLS and had some major complications, they say they would do it again.

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 is very supportive, and have said they just want me to happy.

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

My employer is very supportive. I plan on being out of work for 3 weeks.

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

I was admitted for surgery 7/1 and had mysurgery thatsame day. I was discharged 7/4, and I walked out of the hospital on my own. My surgeon is very supportive. I was very groggy the first day and didn't do much, but was up that evening and walking in the halls. Pain med was most important to use before you do anything. Just bring your own toiletries and some slip on shoes to walk in that are comfortable.

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

none.

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 don'y really think I was anxious. I was working. It just seemed that the days went too slow.

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

I have laparoscopic RNY, be perepared for some pain on your left side. I had some for about 2-3 at home and it got much better with time. Remember this is the actual surgery sight, your stomach, its bound to hurt more there.

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

My hospital is very close by about 20 minutes to drive there. I am very lucky as I live quite close.

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 got so I couldn't look at a can of cream soup anymore. I would get nauseated at the thought. I used to be able to eat eggs, but I don't care anymore for them. I really haven't had a lot of problems tolerating foods that are on my diet or stages. I have had trouble remembering to cut pieces small enough to manage. I have blocked my stomach and had to vomit once.

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

activity has been little first few days, but I noticed 2-3 weeks post-op, I could walk farther without even stopping. I currently walk 1 MILE IN 15 MINUTES. I have enjoyed working outside in the yard again.

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

iron, multivit, calcium w/ D.

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?

no sleep disturbance, infact I sleep right through thenight. I haven't done this since 1984. My hair hasn't started falling out. I haven't noticed a lot of nausea, and vomited once.

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

My mind missing the enjoyment of food.

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

I want to attend the post op suport group in my town, but my schedule hasn't been good. I plan on starting in September.

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

about 6 small incisions. they healed perfectly

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have plateaued twice so far. this has lasted for 3-4 days. After lossing weight so fast and so steady, it is a bit unnerving when it suddenly stops as quick as it started, but I have then notice I start lossing again. You have to get stubborn and stick with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed that some people have noticed me more. The place I work the people are very supportive and often ask how much I have lost.