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

I first found out about Bariatric surgery through an online friend in a chat room. I researched this and may other surgeries both non invasive and invasive and always returned back to roux en y bypass. I feel it is an exceptional TOOL in the battle of morbid obesity. I stress TOOL because thats exactly what it is, not a cure, a tool!

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

USB did all the paperwork. I didn't lift a finger!

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

Our first meeting was a little awkward considering over the last 16 years NO-ONE but my husband has seen ALL areas of my anatomy. Otherwise it was fine. Dr. Perez was very informative and having a list of questions prepared kept my mind free to tentatively listen to the answers he gave me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My future with my children and my husband slipping away from me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left it up to my surgeon.

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?

No fears! Honestly, I was more concerned with dying from obesity than dying trying to help myself.

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?

Thank God my family was extremely supportive. You definately know who your friends truly are after surgery!

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

I was admitted to Holy Cross Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. I was a patient there from 11/15/02 till 11/19/02. The hospital stay was excellent except for the one PCT (Patient Care Tech) overnight the second day. She was terrible. All in All the nursing staff was grat and very informed on the Bariatric procedure and patent care. The Hospital offered everything I needed from toothpaste to lotion to gowns and heavy blankets. The only necessities needed were underclothes and toilettries(sp) such as shampoo and soap if you didn't want to use the supplied soap. Brush/comb and a long handled scrubbie for your back also helped. Slippers are supplied but they were the foam type so bring your own.

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

The one complication I had was back pain but I also have back problems. I asked for extra pillows and that seemed to help alot. I honestly think the key to recovery is WALK, WALK, WALK!!! I know it seems barbaric after surgery but it elleviates gas, and helps your overall muscle stretching.

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 recieved my surgery date approximately 3 weeks pre-op. I was very anxious. I wanted the surgery done yesterday! I kept myself busy by reading post-op stories and looking at before-after pics. I also kept on researching the procedure and informing my family of updates. Walking, reading, and crafts made the time pass quicker.

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

Sleeping in a recliner or getting a wedge for the bed helps immensely. It is usually impossible to sleep flat post-op for a few weeks. I am now 2 weeks out and still cannot sleep in my bed. Excpect to be dizzy when awaking, sit up a few minutes before standing if possible. Drink plenty of fluids, dehydration is the # 1 post-op complication. DO NOT try to shower alone for the first few weeks!!! I became very dizzy in the shower after a few minutes or at least try to have a shower stool handy. Don't expect to eat all your first meals. I ws allowed 3 tbs. puree and was lucky to get down 2.

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

I live in Orlando Florida and my travel time was 3.5 hours. I was made to stay in the immediate area for the 10 day follow-up and G-tube removal. I arrived a day early to stock the hotel with necessities.

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 the only restrictions I have are I can only eat protiens, o sugars, carbs, etc... Decaf tea, diet snapple, propel, fruit2o, sugar free Jell-o, sugar feee ices are all tolerable for water substitutes. I CANOT tolerat tuna fish but everything else is fine.

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

About 9 days after surgery I went grocery shopping. I returned to work on light duty 15 days post-op. I am animate about telling people to walk. My first 3 days were miserable until I got off my behind and walked. All my discomforts steadily decreased after walking.

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

Vista Vitamins, B12 injectable, folic acid, and Thiamine (B1)

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?

Nausea subsided about a month out. I still vomit ocassionally if I don't chew or if I eat too fast.

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

G-tube removal

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

I attend Celebration Hospital monthly for a support group for USB. I think this group should be offered bi-weekly. Many can benefit from it.

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

I have 6 scars along my mid abdomen. They are fading at this point but the stretch marks are worse. I am however grateful I will need minimal reconstructive surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have been at a plateau between 158-161 for 4 weeks now. I introduced carbs and I believe this is whats causing it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH YES!!!!! I don't admire it since I am still me inside. I often wonder why people can't truly see people for who they are not what they look like?