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

My first surgery (VBG) was in 1997 and my doctor at the time sent me to have it done. It was life saving!

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

I was approved with no problems. My surgery was approved through OHIP. I had nothing to do with that! Just present my health card!

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

The doctor was very straight forward and no nonsence. Be very honest with yourself and your doctor. Expect to be told the truth!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The need for a life. I wanted to live! Being as big as I was, was killing me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor gave me options, have this surgery or die!

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?

My fears: Pain, coping, dying, not seeing my family! You gotta do what you gotta do! You have to make yourself happy before you can help anyone else be happy! Healthy and happy fall into the same category! I didn't want my family burying me in a piano casket!

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?

My Mother and Brother were so very supportive. I could not ask for more! After surgery, my mom was (and still is) a saint! She was there for me always. She is my best friend. I love you Mom!

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

My employer at the time was very supportive. I was off work for about 2 months. I had my job back as soon as i was able to work.

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

I was in the hospital 4 days. Make sure to bring yourself a nightgown that fits and non-restrictive undies!

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

I had an infection in my incision. It got infected along my waist from my pants. I was given a liquid antibiotic and i healed up fine. Scared the crap out of me though! Seeing all that puss come out...eww ick! But really, it turned out ok.

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 was scared! I felt like I was never gonna eat again! Boy was I wrong. My VBG surgery has been a failure! This tool was not the right tool for me. I am gaining my weight back. If you are trying to decide what surgery to take, the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is not the one! 80% failure rate. You must <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.qklinkserver.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=92&k=seek%20out&st=1" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: seek out'; self.ql_skeyphrase='seek%20out'; if(window.event) self.ql_sevent=window.event.srcElement; self.ql_timeout = setTimeout('ql_doMouseOver(1)', 1000); self.ql_isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; ql_closeiframe(); self.ql_skeyphrase='seek%20out'; window.status='Search for: seek out';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; setTimeout('ql_closeiframe()', 1500); ">seek out</a> emotional help as well. At the time of my surgery, I had no support system in place and that was my failure. Being fat is a symptom.....you have to find the problem and deal with it!

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

Be careful not to do any lifting or major <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.qklinkserver.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=92&k=house%20cleaning&st=1" onmouseover="window.status='Search for: house cleaning'; self.ql_skeyphrase='house%20cleaning'; if(window.event) self.ql_sevent=window.event.srcElement; self.ql_timeout = setTimeout('ql_doMouseOver(1)', 1000); self.ql_isOverLink=true; return true;" onclick="if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; ql_closeiframe(); self.ql_skeyphrase='house%20cleaning'; window.status='Search for: house cleaning';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; if(self.ql_timeout) clearTimeout(self.ql_timeout); self.ql_isOverTip = false; setTimeout('ql_closeiframe()', 1500); ">house cleaning</a>. Take advantage of the time and rest! When you are up to it, walk walk walk. Take one day at a time, one moment at a time and follow your surgeon's instructions!

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

I travelled 5 hours. I did not get back to my doctor for after care because my finances were very limited and there really was no support system in place. Make sure you get your after support for your emotional state. You will not be able to cope the way you used to! You can't cope with food anymore!

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 not able to eat meat for a while. I am able to now. (8 years later.) It took a long time to be able to take pills. I had to crush them. The first few years eating was slow and chew chew chew.....now i am ok. Mind you i still have to chew chew chew. You actually get used to how the food should feel going down. If you didn't chew something good enough, you will know you will be sick!

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

I had no energy at first. Once I was able to i started walking. I joined Curves for a while. Exersize was never a priority to me. That is one of my downfalls. Must make it a priority!

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

In the beginning i took children's chewables. Now i take one a day vitamins, Omega 3, stress tabs (full of vit. B) and chromium.

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?

Of course, i had vomiting etc...but i am fine now.

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

I failed myself. I had the perfect tool to help me lose this weight. I tried to the best of my abilities but this surgery is not the answer to my weight problem. It is just a tool like Dr. Atkins or Curves! You have to work at it. This was the worst experience for me because ultimately, I chose the wrong type of surgery. Now, i am looking to have a revision done. (RNY)

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

None....it was unfortunate that I had no one in my area other than my dietician!

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

Huge! right down the middle of my stomach! I will never wear a bikini.... :) But that is ok! I can live with that!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am gaining my weight back after 8 years! I can eat junk food again! Big fat steaks! You name it, i can eat it!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The same as when i weighted in at 540 pounds!