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

My girlfriend had the surgery 3 years ago; I wasn't to excited about it .

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

I had quick approval.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was very thorough. I was able to ask questions and raise concerns. My advice would be to ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I attended group meetings with the support group at North Fulton Regional Hospital. I researched and I finally felt that I didn't want to struggle anymore and deal with my hypertension, PCOS and depression anymore. I wanted control of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research and asking patients who had been through it. Attending support groups, listening and asking questions.

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 worried about clots more than anything. The best thing to do is WALK, WALK, WALK. The day of my surgery I got up and walked and from that point forward I walked. I am now walking everyday for 30 minutes or moe. This will help you heal and feel better.

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 not happy at all. They felt you can do this without surgery. But no one felt the pain, tiredness or problems I felt. NOw, that I have had the surgery I have the upmost support. My mom, husband and children have been nothing but wonderful.

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

I haven't told them much of anything. I have a hiatal hernia and I pretty much knew my surgeon was going to check it out and I had left it at that. I will not tell them unless they ask. I will be out of work 2 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was great. I was there for 2 days. I brought a robe, house shoes (non Skid), toothpaste, glasses, and an extra pillow.

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

None

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

Nervous, Anxious, Scared. The benefits that I would encounter. Those positive thoughts moved me away from what I had originally felt.

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

I slept the first few days but I was up and about on Friday. I feel getting out and moving about is best. You will be all you can to get in your liquids. I bore easy sitting around so I would have to say keep busy. I am ready to go back to work.

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

I drove 48 miles

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.

First two weeks-soft liquids cottage cheese, yogurt, applesauce, fat free milk, sugar free popsicles, water, crystal light, decaff tea and coffee, protein shakes.

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

My activity level has been great. I definately have alot of energy.

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

2 Flinstone Chewables, 2 tums w calcium 750, 1 Biotin 5000 mcg, 1 iron tablet

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?

None

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

Just adjusting

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

North Fulton Regional Hospital Bariatric Program Monthly Meetings Very helpful; you can observe, ask questions, gain knowlege

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

Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A