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

I found out about Bariatric surgey from the ads in the newspapers and the ads on T.V.

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

I didn't have any problems. I just had to get a psych. evaluation first and then my insurance company o.k'd the surgery. I guess I was one of the lucky ones from what I hear - so many people have had problems getting their insurance to o.k. the surgery.

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

The surgeon was polite and efficient - that was my first impression of him. He answered the questions I had. I would have asked more questions my first meeting if I would have thought of all the questions I needed to ask - So just find out everything you can and make a list because you don't get to see the surgeon again til he's ready to cut you open.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was soooo tired all the time. My daughter told me I was cranky all the time - I didn't want to be like that. I knew I had to change my life and I couldn't do it myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't have much choice. I was too fat for the scope surgery so I had to be cut open. I felt better knowing the proceedure I had had been around since the 1950's. Also my doctor said nobody he's operated on died from this surgery - that made me feel better!

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 only fear was dying and leaving my daughter alone. I had to ask my brother and his wife if they would take care of Lisa for me. That was my only fear. I was so tired of being fat I felt the risk was so worth it - and it was!

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 family and friends were supportive - they saw the benefits of the surgery from people who already had it.

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

I told my employer I was having female problems - I didn't feel it was any of their biz. I was only off work for 3 weeks.

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 for 4 days. It was rough - alot of pain but I was able to look past it. I stayed positive that helped alot. I would bring a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in - I did alot of walking in the hospital belive me that helped a million!

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

I had a lot of gas while in the hospital - that was very painful. I haven't had any problems since.

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 so happy I was starting my new life - I was so up beat and positive I could hardly stand it! :) I lost 20 lbs in the first two weeks.

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

It was hard to get used to not eating, since that was my life before. I read the binder I was given at the hospital 100 times. I couldn't belive I got so full so fast - it was wonderful.

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

I only had about a 45 min. drive.

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.

Bread and other starchy things taste like crap now. I can't take fried foods either. I made myself sick a couple of times - oh well you learn real fast what you can eat. I don't have cravings anymore for sweets.

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

I started walking in the hospital and haven't stopped yet! I'm up to walking 2 miles everyday.

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

I take a centrum chewable in the morning and a childrens chewable in the evening. I also chew a couple ultra strength tums a day too.

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?

Like I said earlier I made myself sick a couple of times. I have been lucky I haven't lost my hair.

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

The first couple days after surgery - the pain is pretty bad.

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

I go the the BTC support group once a month. It's pretty helpful-

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

My scar is big red and ugly - but so was my belly!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had alot of plateau's. Make sure you take your measurments during this time because I lost inches and that made me feel better during a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They don't stare so much anymore. I feel better about myself so I think I feel more confindent and it shows on the outside.