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

My primary physician and I began to talk about it and as with anything I need to research it further before making this kind of a decision. Once I did the research on it I told her that I wanted to proceed with the surgery and now am on the path to doing just that.

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

I received my approval 3 days after my surgeon submitted the paperwork but I also have every health issue known to man.

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

He is fantastic. He puts your mind at ease and is very careful to explain eveything to you. He takes his time while with you to be sure your at ease with your decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My numerous health issues and my limited ability to do the things I enjoy doing because of my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research and discussed it with my primary doctor than went looking for the best surgeon for me.

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 have alot of risky health issues so complications were a major risk going into surgery. I just believed that if God lead me to this than he would see me through it. I discussed my concerns with my surgeon and we planned ahead to deal with them if they should arise.

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 that lives in my house supported my decision to have the surgery, the rest of my family did not. Since surgery my family has continued to live their lives as before (baking cookies, ect) dispite the fact that they know it makes it harder on me.

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

currently not employed. 3/3/05: I am now employed since 3 weeks ago and I have the greatest boss. Everyone at work knows I have had the surgery and they are fantastic.

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

I went into the hospital on Wednesday morning and went home Saturday evening. My hospital stay was fantastic. They staff was excellent. I took my own pajama bottoms, hygeine supplies, slippers, a cd player and spare batteries, chap stick, and a watch.

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

I caught an upper respiratory infection while in the hospital and the first round of antibiotics weren't strong enough so it turned into pneumonia. the second antibiotic caused severe diarrhea and nausea so it has been alittle rough but I will get through it.

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 couldn't wait for the day to get here. I was not anxious about the surgery itself just any problems that may arise.

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

I am now 2 1/2 weeks out and it hasn't been too bad. The staples itched and pinched when I was coughing but that was about the worst. Save your energy by getting alot of rest and don't forgt that you just had major surgery.

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

15 minute drive from the house

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.

My surgeon sends all his patients home on clear liquids til your first follow-up than he progresses your diet to pureed for a month. I am on antibiotics that are causing nausea so I am still taking in mostly liquids right now.

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

I have been ok with energy. The 3rd day home from the hospital I was back on the treadmill and exercise bike and haven't missed a day since.

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

I am on trinsicon twice a day and a multivitamin with minerals once a day and calcium at least 1000mg a day (I take 1500mg) and these I will be on for life. I am also on pepsid twice a day for one month only

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?

So far my only problems have been from the pneumonia and the antibiotics to treat them have caused severe diarrhea and nausea. 12/7/05: I am now 1 year out and the only problem I have had was some minor gallbladder issues that resolved with diet changes.

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

I think it went pretty well with the exception of catching pneumonia.

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

There is a group that meets twice a month at parkridge hospital and I started attending their meetings back in July. The people are fantastic and it really helps to have someone to talk to that knows what your going through. They are able to help you learn to use this toll the right way and help you prevent mistakes along the way.

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

I am only 2 1/2 weeks out but it doesn't look bad. It is only 4 inches long and over time it should even look better. I am 2 months out and it looks fine. I am now 7 months out and walk around the yard in a half shirt and don't mind the scar at all. It has faded really nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 4 weeks out the scale stopped moving and it lasted about 1 week and than began to move again. My pounds loss have been slow compared to the inches lost so far. I am 9 1/2 weeks out and went from 277 to 244 the day of surgery to 206 now. I have lost 38 inches so far and gone from a size 24 to a size 14. I am now 7 months out and have struggled over the last 2 months to loose just a few pounds but am now within 5 pounds of my goal and I will get there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have gotten alot of complaments on how great I look from people that I know never noticed my existance before. People that never noticed me before now are stopping to talk to me and even flirt with me. At 7 months out from surgery people don't believe me when I say I had the surgery. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 12. People actually look at me when they talk to me now. I actually get compliments from people.