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

I have a client who had the surgery Aug01. By February she had lost 96 lbs. She looked and felt great.

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 trouble that I know of. It is very important to get all of the required letters from your doctors and the lab work. The faster you get it, the faster the approval.

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

We saw a video, which is worn out. Then we talked with the doctor. It is a good thing to have your questions ready ahead of time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband and I did a lot of research on the internet. I finally just got tired of being fat and unhealthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor made that decision. He said I did not qualify for the laproscopic procedure. I had too many old scars from other surgeries.

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?

The risks of staying the way I was were higher .

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 husband wanted what was best for me. He let me make the decision and has supported it completely. My daughter was very against it. Sshe tried very hard to talk me out of it.

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

My supervisor is supportive. I didn't tell my boss yet. I am still out of work. It's only been 10 days.

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

I was put into a private room on the cardiac floor becsause there were no beds available on the surgery floor. I was in from Tuesday afternoon until Friday noon. Chapstick is useful. Nightgowns are not needed because they have the hospital gowns which work fine.

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

The only problem that I have had is with abdominal gas. I understand this is normal. Walking and moving around as much as possible is very important. It has helped.

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 very happy that I got a date before the end of the year. When I was approved, my surgery was moved up a whole month. I had eight days to get ready.

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

I've only been home a week. Walking is very important. Using a pillow to hold the incision from bouncing helps.

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

I only had to travel about 2 miles from my house. I was very lucky.

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.

The week before surgery I was on a high protein low to no carb diet to reduce my liver size. I would drink high protein low carb foods. No more than 5 grams/day of carbs. Sugarfree jello and popsicles were good. Right now I am on a purely liquid diet. One week after surgery I was able to start my protein drinks. I will be allowed to start some very soft foods on my four week anniversary. Some of the flavors that I liked before surgery are hard to drink now because they taste different.

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

Better than before. I am walking at least 20 minutes twice a day, everyday. My stamina is better.

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

B-12 sublingual, Tums, and chewable multi-vitamins.

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

The scar and the staples. They itch like crazy. They come out this week.

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

Dr. T. has a support group set for anyone in need.There are also special meetings for post-ops only. There is a pre-op group available the first Wednesday night of every month at 7 PM in the lobby of his office. All of these meetings are important. You find out that you are not alone out there. They have a clothing exchange for when your clothes are getting too big so you don't have to keep buying new clothes. This saves money.

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

It runs from my breast bone down to my belly button. It's longer than I expected. I'm sure it will get better with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau at about 40 pounds lost. Now I've lost 142 pounds and am 3 pounds from my goal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I am no longer invisible. Most of my clients do NOT recognize me when they come to see me at their appointments.