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

I found out bariatric surgery in the 90's & was told not to have it at that time as it wasn't perfected as yet! When I first researched it, it scared me half to death & I didn't think I could ever adhere to the strict eating regime afterwards...something I later found out to be totally WRONG1

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

My initial insurer is "Medicare" & I had no problem with them at all because I had "medical clearance first".

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

My first meeting with Dr. Petrick at Geisinger Hospital in Danville Pa was okay. Though I did think he was very short with me; he did explain the surgery 100%. If you really want to get the most out of your first visit with your surgeron I would say NOT TO BE SHY......ask as many questions as you need to.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery because my doctor explained to me that I wouldn't live to be 60 due to my type 2 diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After going to 2 support groups & also 2 nutrition/doctor classes that his how I decided to have the RNY proceedure & how I felt that the lapro was the best way to go.

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 SCARED TO DEATH of dying from this surgery because of "heart disease" in my family history. I was also fearful of complications from surgery. Put all your fears in the hand of YOUR GOD or YOUR HIGHER POWER because in the end it is only he/she who can keep you safe & warm.

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?

In the beginning my friends & some of my family tried to talk me out of it. After a while most of my family finally agreed with me that this "had" to be done & were with me all the way. Nope I wouldn't have comunicated anything differently because I feel HONESTY is always the best polciy. After my surgery EVERYONE was there for me 100%.

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

I do not work so this does not apply.

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

My stay in the hospital wasn't too bad except I was allergic to the morphine drip they gave me & had to be taken off of it. I was in the hospital 2 1/2 days. Bring yourself.......forget about anything else because getting out of the hospital gown is almost impossible but if you are a little vain I'd say bring some makeup to cheer yourself up.

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

I had absolutely no complications from the surgery.

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

Oh gosh after I got my surgery date I was on Pins & Needles because I had to wait over a month. I tried to keep my anxiety at bay by doing other things for myself. Things that made me happy & brought delight into my heart. I also gave my surgery into the hands of my God.

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

When I arrived home after the surgery I was VERY SORE!! I was also very tired but don't let this stop you from forcing yourself to get up at WALK even 5 or 10 minutes as you will feel much better afterwards & heck then you can go lie down. Everyone is different, what happened to me may not happen to you.

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

It took me about 50 minutes to get to the hospital. It didn't really affect my aftercare but "beware of bumps" in a car....painful!

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 am only 7 days Post-Op so I am still on a liquid diet but I am allowed Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast, Soups i.e. Tomato or Cream, Jell-O & Dannon Light Yogurt. Off limits?......whatelse "Food you can chomp on"! By next Tuesday (10/10/2006) I hope to be able to start eating light cottage cheese, eggs & baby food!

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

I was able to walk 5 minutes the first day, 15 minutes a few days later & even 20 minutes on the 6th day.

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

I haven't taken the Vitamins as yet. Hopefully beginning 10/10/06

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?

I had no nausea due to the anthestia after the surgery, nor sleep disturbance. I have heard in the 3-4th month your hair might fall out so heck I'll wear a wig! As for the dumping syndrome as long as you don't stick SUGAR into your mouth you have nothing to worry about but the gas pains are a different story....they are VERY bad. I just tried to keep myself calm when I have the gas pains because getting upset will only make you feel worse.

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

The fright prior to the surgery.........afterwards it's really a piece of cake!

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

I will be going to the hospital's support groups the 2nd Monday of every month but I feel that there should be a separate support group ONLY for people are Post-Op. However I also see my therapist every week & she has helped me 100%.

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

I had Lapro so I had no scar just 6 tiny incisions in my tummy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't hit any plateau's as yet...but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes a little bit.......my husband seems a little bit kinder to me.