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

-about 10 years ago considered stomach stapling but wanted to wait and watch the results of others'surgeries -once I saw the proof with my own eyes I was astonded

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

-actually was in to dr Sept 18/2001 and appropval from insurer arrived Oct 1/2001.....very please at how fast -placed required forms into Dr Nohr on Oct 23/2001 and appointment on the Oct 24/2001 for June 11/2002 for consultation -cancellation and appointment November 21/20001 at 10 am' -surgery now scheduled Oct 21/2002

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

Dr Nohr was wonderful. He made me feel at ease and answered all my questions. He seemed quite confident he could help me....but left me the decision. He also explained the risks and results and how I would have to adjust the rest of my life to this decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

-had basically decided on surgery after reading up all I could and weighing alternatives -when I met the Snowflakes in Brandon's WLS meeting it was the clincher -also glad I took my mom along as it opened her eyes to our many similar problems/ concerns

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

-did not Dr told me what I was having and I agreed....RNY

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?

-sure I am scared I might die....but I feel if I do not have this done...then I will be putting my self at risk anyways....if not from a heart attack then from diabetes etc....so I consider the risk is worth the result of better health now.

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?

-some thought it was cop out...others gave me unquestioning support..like my mom. It was very important to me my mom understand why I was doing this ...so I took her to support group meeting and she said it opened her eyes to my problem and she supports my decision. I am pretty lucky my friends have been supportive and as well having the support group available to answer even the silliest questions has been a bonus.

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

-well my employer was hit with a shock....as originally I had plenty of time to inform him and with the cancellation he came thru with flying colors and let me take the time off to go to the appointment and has so far been supportive.

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

Hospital stay was ok Glad I brought tongs to wipe myself tho..I was very swollen. I was in hospital 6 days ; then stayed in hospitals sleep rooms for another 7 days.

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

no complications

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

excited; then afraid; then started chainging my habits to make transition easier.

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

Bending was sore; scar healed nicely and they recommended massaging it each day with a good oil to minimize ridging. Found things like grocery chopping tiring, so limited each day to one activity. Nervous of anything hitting me in stomach.

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

I travelled from Winnipeg to Medecine Hat 11 hours by car and 3 hours by plane....so I did not want to leave right after surgery; and stayed to have surgeons nurse look at incision and remove staples and drain.

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.

could not handle bananas; pineapple; cream of celery soup; certain porridges; melba toast; coffee; tea; cottage cheese -it is now 7 weeks out and can now handle porridge; scambled eggs; tofu in soup; refried beans -more spicey foods are tolerable but not chicken fingers; rice

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

increased activity level and no more naps at noon hour -after 7 weeks my sleep apnea is so minimal; can do much more and sleep seems more restful

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

multi vitamins 3 times a week....trying to get it to every day but finding liquid to sweet. -at 7 weeks switched to chewable vitamins plus iron everyday; and b12 once a week

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?

3 times vomited from food to big and it was fast....just changed my shirt - at 7 weeks anything like yogurt; tried smidgion of cake and dumped; anything bigger than the head of a pin was regurgitated -no nausia

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

probably the stomach acid leaking from the drain; burning around my tube hole for most of the day after the removal

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

Since there was no group in Winnipeg I started one and we currently have over 20 members in various stages of the process and various surgeries. We also are lucky to have support of the Brandon Bariatric group as well.

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

I am only 3 weeks out but it is a fine line with now ridge so far. It is exactly like I expected. -at 7 weeks scar is a wee bit wider but not as sensitive, still no ridge

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

-have hit several plateaus..the longest was 5 days; so went back to basics; more protein and it ended

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

-definately everyone has noticed a difference in how I look -many say my voice has changed and how I carry myself even tho so far it has only been 41lbs