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

I heard about this surgery from a friend who had it done back in the 80's when it was really a huge health risk having it done, I would do it for all the tea in china, Until 1999 when i heard that Carnie Wilson did it & Once I saw her before & followed her after results, I couldn't keep off my computer. I was researching every website I could about Biactric bypass surgery. then when I felt I had enough information, I went to see my doctor & asked her to refer me to a surgeon & now I'm having the operation 8-28-02 @ 8;00 AM. I cannot wait to get my life back!!!

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

My doctor sent the papers in the my insurance compnay & 6 months later I was approved, I was so happy ,all I could think is great Now maybe I will live a long & healthy life & enjoy the things I haven't been able to in 10 years. You people who are waiting or having a hard time getting aprroved, keep bothering the insurance company, If you're 100 lbs over weight, they'll have to give in enventually.

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

My doctor was fantastic, She was very undestanding & caring. She took her time to get to know me & asked me questions & really listened to my questions. I was very happy with her, she even hugged me!!!!! Don't be afraid to ask what ever is on your mind, make yourself be heard & get the answers you need.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

because I am sick to death of being obese, I hate being excluded from everything due to my weight. I want to be healthy & happy, I want to share all kinds of things with my Husband & daughter's & Granddaughter's, I want to be here for them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was my doctor's choice.

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 have lots of fears about dying, But I know if I don't get this operation my chances are much greater than if I don't. Plus this surgery is a lot safer now days than It used to be many years ago.

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?

There all very pleased that I am doing this to help myself live a longer life & become healthy.they are very supportive of my dicission no! I'll see after the 28th

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

I am disabled due to a work injury & my obesity.unemployed

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

It was wonderful, All of the Nurses were very nice & right there when I needed them. My room mate was nice as well, I was in the Hospital for 3.5 days. things to bring to the hspt. something loose to wear when you're walking around....:)

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 felt really good, I did have some thoughts of losing food & then got myself right back on track. I felt bored & tired a bit.

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

My first week home from the Hospital was good, My hubby was wonderful & fed me, made sure I ate all of the right things & drank my proteens I needed every day.

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

2 hours from my house one way, it didn't affect my care @ all.

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.

So far I can eat what ever I want to, anything w/o sugar added of course, I'm affraid to try things with sugar, Like brown sugar oat meal, I' do not want to dump!!! So this surgery has really kept me in line.It's only been two weeks for me, since I had the surgery, But I'm doing really well, No vomiting, No problems with anything, I eat a lot of #2 baby foods, fruits, vergs, meals that are puree'd. etc.

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

No to much, I wasn't to eager to move around, But I am now, I try to walk for a bit each day now.

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

None so far, My doctor wants to wait until I hit my 6th week to start them.I guess from what she said, They make people trow up. I have been taking my Vitamins for Quite awhile now with no problems at all. I feel great & all of my blood work came back excellent.

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 haven't had any of these symtoms so far.I have thrown up a few times but never DUMPED.I'm glad for that!!!

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

Getting my Gall Bladder out with it. OUCH... It hurts worse than the Biactric operation ever did.

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

We have a wonderful support group, We meet the first Tuesday of every month.This is very Important to our recovery. We learn a lot about what to eat to keep us healthy & what not to, to keep us from dumping. Also we here a lot of other post op patients stories about there experiences. We see before & after pictures of people who have had the surgery a year or more ago. Boy is this ever encourageing.I love It!!!!

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

My scar is about 6 " long and yes It is what I thought it would look like. I'm fine with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't gotten there yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I do feel a lot better though. I have lost a total of 81-5-lbs in exactly 4 months on Dec 28th,02 I feeel wonderful already & I have 200-lbs more to lose.