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

Co-worker talked about the band years ago when it was only being done in Europe. Then my best friend had bypass and I started doing research.

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

Very easy. Carol at Dr. Pohl's office took care of everything. She knew exactly what to do and I didn't have any issues. Make sure your doctor's office has someone who knows the ins and outs of all the different policies.

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

Very good. Dr. Pohl didn't rush me, he made me feel comfortable, and he took the time to explain it all to my husband as well. I had been to the seminars but due to my hubby's work schedule he couldn't make it. Dr. Pohl took time to explain everything to both of us to make sure we were comfortable with the decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health issues.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Bypass scares me. My husband and I had sevreal talks, did lots of research and 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've had over 27 surgeries so this one didn't scare me. I am afraid of the operating room and having the mask put on your face. I talked to the anesthesia department ahead of time and asked if I could hold the mask. They said yes and all was fine. Plus Dr. Pohl came in and was talking to me - he always puts me at ease. When he talks to you it feels genuine, not like a forced polietenss.

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?

Not too great. My dad said he understood, but I could tell he didn't really approve. I have 2 best friends - April was bypassed and supported me 100% and called me multiple times a day to check on me. Sandy isn't supportive at all and it has been very difficult. Co-workers knew I was having this and I got a lot of opinions from them - we all know what they say about opinions. Now co-workers are commenting about my weight loss, but make comments about what I eat - especially when on pureed foods. Family isn't saying too much. My hubby was 100% on my side from the beginning and still is.

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

I told them in the beginning of the year I was going to have weight loss surgery. They didn't agree with it. As time came closer they asked more and more questions about how it works and what changes I would have to make. I took 2 weeks off. Now they comment about my new clothes and once in awhile about how much I've lost.

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

My original stay was one night. Had to bring my sleep apnea machine

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

Yes. I got dehydrated and couldn't pass gas. Went back to the ER the night I was discharged and they stuck me 11 times and no IV. Finally got a shot in my leg and sent home. Back in the ER 7 hours later and 9 more sticks for an IV. Was admitted for severe dehydration. ER didn't listen to me and call my surgeon. I called his office from my cell and he came and took care of me and sent me for tests to check the placement of my band. Dr. Pohl is wonderful. Once I got fluids in me and was able to pass gas and use the bathroom (which the dye from the test definately had an effect on my intestine - spent the night in the bathroom) I was much better.

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 excited and happy. Closer to the surgery I had mixed emotions - never second thoughts though. Wondered how I had let myself gain this much weight to need surgery.

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

Tired. Not hungry at all. Burped a lot.

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

30 minutes

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 2 weeks following surgery, then 2 - 3 weeks of pureed foods, then ground/chopped foods. I had to do an extra week of pureed foods; had trouble with ground/chopped foods. Pasta and I are not getting along. Mashed potatoes work well.

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

First two weeks a little low. Now I have a ton of energy - as long as I take my vitamins and get the protien in.

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

2 Flinstone chewables a day, plus 2 Viactive with 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?

Dry heaves - first 48 hours after surgery.

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

Going for an endoscopy.

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

Dr. Pohl has a support group that meets monthly, and I go on OH all the time.

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

4 small marks (similar to my gallbladder) and one that is about 1 1/2 inches. Exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People that I weighed more than before have an attitude towards me. Some people told me I took the easy way out. I've been hit on a few times. It's nice that people think I am attractive now. I'm not interested in them at all and I am very happily married, but it is nice to know that people find me attractive. It's been a long time.