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

It was suggested to me by my primary care physician more than 3 years ago and I was horrified as I thought it was too dratic a measure.

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

I called my insurance carrier and obtained pre-approval before scheduling a visit to the Bariatric surgeon.

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

It went well as I found Dr.Tucker to be educated,informed and he knew how to relate to his patients.My suggestion is this:Be as open as possible with your doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was my last hope for a normal and healthy life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon and I made the decision together.

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 was scared,yes.But,the risk of staying obese far outweighed the risks of surgery.

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?

They were extremely supportive and remain so to this day.

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

I was out of work for 8 weeks but did not share my surgery with people at work.

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

Horiffic.There was no nursing care to speak of.I was left on my own and the only time I saw a nurse was when my family was present.I suffered there for 2 days until I convinced my doctor that I would be better off at home.This hospital was not set up or trained in Bariatric patients anad their care.

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

I was sent home with an abcess in one of the lap incisions but it went undetected for two days after returnung home.I knew something was wrong and contacted my doc right away and was put on strong antibiotics.The abcess broke a day or so later and was very messy for a while,but by day nine following surgery,I was well on my way to feeling great.

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

Spent time with family and friends.

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

I was sick for a few days after arriving home,due to the abcess,but I've not experienced the extreme tiredness that many do.I slept in my recliner for about 5 days,then was able to sleep comfortably in my bed.

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

about 25 miles.

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 was on liquids for about two weeks such as broth,sugarfree jello,popscicles,etc.By week three,I was having soft cooked scrambled egg,oatmeal and protein shakes.I am not lactose intolerant,nor do I dump,so I must be very careful about what I eat,but just for the fat and caloric amount.I sure don't want to regain my lost weight~!I did have some problems w/ beef and chicken around 5 months out,but can now eat them both.I tend to eat mostly shellfish and pork,though.And I am one year and one day out now and can eat anything I want,just in moderation.

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

Good.By day 9 I was walking for exercise and feeling great.I joined a gym by week two and have exercised faithfully ever since.

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

Centrum multivitamin,Hair,Skin&Nails vitamin,Calcium,B-12 sublingual,iron,Biotin,vitamin C.

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?

None.Smooth sailing and have not experienced hairloss like so many.My doc says it's due to getting in all of the needed protein and drinking so much skim milk.

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

The hospital stay.

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

Noe at this time as I've reloctaed to Florida. I do belong to Spotlight Health and find it a good place to post and chat.

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

I have little tiny lap scars and they don't bother me a bit.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.