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

Refer to second part of question 1

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

I guess you could say I was extremely lucky. I was approved within a week after meeting with the Bariatric Councelor. If you don't get approved I would try again.

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

I was highly impressed with Dr. Facundus. He is an exception to the rule. He was very informative and took the time to answer mine and my mom's questions. Second I was impressed to find out that he took the time to answer my parents, boyfriend and my uncle's questions after my surgery. My mom said he didn't seem to be in any hurry. Today that is very rare. I work in the health field and it seems like we are always in a hurry

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my weight got to a point that I knew that I couldn't lose it another way. I had tried every method of losing from diet pills--OTC and precription, weight watchers several times, nutri systems, low fat low card. You name I tried it. I realized I had no other choice.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no decision. Larproscropic Roux-n-y is the procedure my surgeon used.

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 my fears but after several months of researching I realized that the surgeon's hands were in the hands of GOD.

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?

Just about everyone was extremely supportive of my decision. I told everyone that I knew what I was planning. I would not do it any differently. Its my body. I am still new post op but everyone has been really supportive.

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

My supervisor and those that I work with were very very supportive. I was out of work for two weeks. When I came back I was on light duty

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

My surgery on April 22, 2004 in the morning. My hospital stay was quiet pleasant. I was there for 23 hours. Mine was considered an outpatient surgery. I did bring enough in case I had to stay in the hospital longer than the one day.

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

No complications. I was in recovery for almost 2 hours which scared my family and boyfriend, but otherwise no problems. In fact when the surgery was over the doctor came out and talked with my family and boyfriend at length about the surgery, how well I did.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

When I got the surgery date it was the day I had met my surgeon. I was a fistful of nerves that day. But the more I thought about the more I was ready for the surgery. I had some anxiety but I had a great support behind me which helped those feelings diminish.

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

Actually I am 1 week post op. I am sore which is to be expected. Also I have found that if I take my liquids to quickly I feel it. So far I have had no problems. I am also walking like the doctor has prescribed. I am also doing mundane routing house work that doesn't require to much stretching. I am getting myself back in the swing of things. I did the same thing after my hysterectomy. It helped me to be stronger not only physically but also mentally.

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

It took maybe 40 minutes to get the hospital. It was in another city

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 can't stand milk by itself. Any type of milk. I can tolerate it if its in something else. Don't care for any type of chocolate even if its sugar free. Used to love milk and chocolate.

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

Great. I have more energy now than I have in years.

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

Multivitamins- chewable. B-12 sublingual Iron-chewable Calcium chewable

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?

My hair started to fall out around the 3 month post surgery mark but I knew it would happen. It has stopped coming out and my hair has gotten a fuller look about it. I have found that if I eat to quick or one bite more than I should I will dump. My dumping is not throw up kind. Use your imagination.

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

NOthing really

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

In the city I live in and in the city next to me is a support group. I am attending those. I attended and got to know a few people before surgery and it is going to be helpful to continue after surgery.

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

Five small incisions. Its what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since Feb 2005 I have not lost any more weight. But thats ok. I have lost 100lbs and I am please where I am.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really, they are just pleased for me.