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

A few people at work had had the surgery and I've seen the drastic changes. some have had problems and some have had no problems at all. My first impression has been that I'm very happy for the co-workers to have found this surgery to mke them a better way of life. However, never before having surgery, I am very concerned about having surgery.

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

I have contacted my insurance company and they have been very helpful. We are a PPO and I just need to make certain that whoever I choose for a surgeon they are a PPO with my insurer. I have yet to request approval for surgery.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was good. He was very informative and he first talked to us in a group of 4 then he saw each one of individually. Hi answered questions with the group and he answered individual questions when with him one on one. He did a brief exam and explained testing that would need to be done. He also asked a lot of questions of myself and my past medical history.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My need to make a life style change. This is only a tool but a tool that I need.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Consultation with the surgeon

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 was afraid of the surgery as I have never had surgery. But I decided that I was on a life of destruction and could die from the obesity so I put myself in God's hands.

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 was very happy and excited for me. My sister is doing this also.

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

My employer was very supportive. Once I knew that I was going to have the surgery I shared with my supervisor, management and staff. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

My stay was good. I was only there for 3 days. Don't bring much as you are either resting or walking every 4 hours.

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

I really have had no complications from the surgery. I did have trouble in recovery from the anethesia but I don't remember any of 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 felt good. Tired and unable to sleep in the beginning but my understanding is that that is normal. That has since past. My anxiety was on what I could have to eat and what I couldn't have and how to get in all the liquids and calories that the Doctor wants you to get in.

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

Basically wanted to be left alone to heal. After the first month then wanted to socialize.

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

60 Miles - 1 hours away. The trip home was not easy but was ok.

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 not eat bananas, canned chunched pineapple and very lean beef. Also can not eat Cambell's soups as to greasy. Other than that I pretty much can eat everything. The biggest thing to remember is to eat slowly and chew, chew, chew and to stop when feelling full.

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

Have become much more active. Can go for walks, play with grandchildren and walk around at work and get things for myself.

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

The opti-source chewable vitaims - 4 per day

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?

Not being able to sleep - lasted about a month. Still have problems with sleeping but not as bad as was. Just beginning to have hair lost but isn't to bad.

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

The emotional lost of my "friend" - foods

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

I go to a bi-monthly support group locally. It helps to keep me on track and find answers to any questions I have.

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

Really no scar. Had lap and have 7 spots that are disappearing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

recently had a plateau of about 3 weeks but just keep at it and now losing again. have lost 100 pounds since 10/12/05

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes