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

My dad and step mother had it done. They both batteled weight problems for a long time and they looked so good and felt so much better. It seemed like someone listened to them when they said look I cant do this alone, I need help. That is what made me start researching it and seeing if the surgery was right for me.

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

The first meeting I had was with Dr Mashall. I fought with my insurance that whole time trying to get their approval which I never did. When I went back I met with Dr Gupta and I absolutly love him! He talked to me and treated me like a person who needed someone to speak with. He explained everything and held no punches. Yes I was scared but the thing to do is remember to always ask questions even bad ones. Secondly, listen to your DR. even if what he says isn't what you want to hear. They have been doing this longer then most of us research this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of the constant yo-yoing in weight then it became a continual battle of just gaining more weight all the time. I needed to do this for many reasons the main one being myself and my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt the open was safer but because of scar tissue that I had from previous surgeries the DR also felt open was the best way to go. To me it seemed they would be in there doing alot of work, best to have it open where they could see exactly what they were doing instead of trying to see it through a camara view. Besides downtime was the same for either surgery.

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 had some fears I think anyone does at least if they researched it they should. That is just being human. You hear stories or even read memorials here that made me wonder. But I knew either way I would not live long if I kept going the way I was. I would say make sure you are doing this because you want too. That you have researched it realise all the risks and that it is what you want to do beyond a shadow of a doubt. Do what your DR tells you to do.

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 told me to just go with excersising and forget this. Others supported me and knew I *needed* to do this. After the surgery my family and friends have been behind me 100% helping me deal with all of it and seeing me through the beginning.

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

It was not a bad stay at all. All the nurses were very helpful and made me feel as comfortable as they could. The doctors were great as well. I was open and only in the hospital for about 3 days.

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

No everything from the surgery went good. I did good and got up and walked but I did need pain medicine to help me cope with the pain.

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 drained tired. I had a great support team though so that helped alot with things. I think the main thing that really I was not prepared for was the pulling out the drain tube. That hurt horribly I could not believe how bad it hurt. I think if I never need one again they can just knock me out.

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

To be tired, and just sort of cranky. I was both of those and got a little depressed when people ate things in front of me that I love.

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

I had to travel about 45 miles to have my surgery. It wasnt too bad of a car ride home and the dr is really good about me calling if I have questions. Though he said I need to call more and let him know when things aren't going right.

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 chew my foods really good and right now it is hard to say what foods bother me because sometimes liquids can make me sick to my stomach.

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

I am still low on energy I can do some walking but I tire easy yet and have almost passed out several times. I walk but after so long I have to take a break and rest or I will pass out.

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

I have been taking Flintstone's children chewables twice a 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?

I have been getting sick alot, still 6 weeks past surgery and I am getting sick.

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

The vomiting is frustrating and the pulling out the drainage tube, but the weight loss is good and I am slowly feeling better.

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

My support group is my family and friends. They have been great I couldnt ask for more. My kids have supported me, my husband was there all the way with me, even my best friend. It was very helpful and needed I could not have done this on my own at all. It would have been too hard.

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

My scar is pretty long and no I didn't expect it but I can live with it. It is kinda of shocking but it doenst look as bad now as it did a month or two ago so that tells me it will lighten over time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't hit a plateau. I am still losing just alot slower than I was. But before I was not getting any food in and my body was starving I was quite sick. So while my weight loss has slowed down it still seems to be going. Just slower than what I had at first.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do, men look at me now much differently instead of looking through me so to speak. They seem to be friendlier and wanting to speak wiht me. I have had many people ask me that knew me how I have lost weight. I tell them quite happily what i did.