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

My best friend new of someone who had it done. My first reaction was your nuts. Why would anyone want to do that to them selves. As we resurched it together I begain to see why. I am glad I did the research.

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

My husband worked in an union and the insurance denied me twice. Then he was laid off and I found out that medicare, and medical assistance would cover the surgery. So I went with them, I was very lucky to have them pay for the whole thing.

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

I was scared at first. He went over the proceedure and wanted to make sure that I understood. One thing that he stressed was that people with mental illness usually don't do as good. I told him that if I can recover from that then this would be no problem. make sure that you ask all the questions that you have. This is when you need to get your duck's in a row.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health had been bad for sometime and I was tired of it. I have a disease in my low back and it was getting worse. I finally said to my self it this or nothing. I had tried all of the weight loss diets and that got me no where. Despite my cronic low back pain, I'd say that the surgery was the best thing I could of done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the rny.

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 a living will made up. I figured if anything should happen then I want my husband to know my wishes. If you are young and in some what ok health than I wouldn't worry about it. Keep in mind that the surgion gets paid to do this.

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 friends were really suportive of my decision. Most of my family was as well. The only person I had a hard time convensing was my mom. She just heard all these horror stories and was against it. She finally turned around once I had it done, she saw the rewards of it. After the surgery my family and friends were great. They all help me out the first few days. I wouldn't have gotten through that first week if it weren't for them.

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

Right now I am not working . I haven't worked for several years due to my mental health problems,and low back problems. I am planning to return to work sometime soon.

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

I was only in the hospital for one day. THe nurses were really impressed on how fast I was getting up, and eating.

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

They found a small bowl obstruction, they took it out. After surgery the area where they took it out of was extrealy painfull. I just did the best that I could until it healed.

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 good, and scared. When the date got closer, I was very sick.I thought about reschedualing it, thank god I felt better the morning of it. I was ok in the anxiety department, at the hospital.

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

My first few weeks were ok. The first two weeks were the worst. I ahd to sleep in my recliner. I got used to that, but the transaction from that to the bed was hard. My muscles hurt like hell and getting out of bed just plan sucked. The first few times I showered was hell. The first time I almost passed out. I would recommend that you sponge bathe for the first week. I know that doesn't seem right but you'll be better off in the long run.

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

I would say about twenty five minets away.

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 am four weeks out and I have to say that everything I have eatten hasa gone well. I haven't had any problems with eating.

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

my activity level was a zero. I didn't start doing stuff until the second week.

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

I take flintstone kid vitamins. The doctor just put me on iron and calcium.

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 would have to say that the sleep disturbance had been the bigest problem. It lasted about two weeks and I just did the best I could.

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

Once I got home and got comfy I watched tv and all day long they show food commercials. That is just plan wrong. I had to eat liquads for two weeks and to see that...it sucked.

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

I didn't get involved with any group. I wanted to do this by myself, and for me.

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

My scars are bright red and healing. I figured they would be like this. Now they are completely healed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None at this point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

just my family when they see how little I eat.