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

My othro Doctor told me to look into it for I need a hip replacement but I have to loose 75lbs 1st. I was very impressed with it and was all for it. I know it is a tool to get me going again. but it is also something that is giving me my life back.

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 problem with my insurance. From what I was told I had the best one so this was good for me.

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

I felt safe with my surgeon. I brought question and he had the answers. If you want to get the most out of your meeting write down anything and everything you want to know. No question is stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I need the hip replacement and also I want to feel and act like 44 not 90

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt go with the lap ban for I was not happy with something being put in my stomach and I want the wt to come off faster for me. I knew my hip was getting bad and didnt want to end up on a cane or a w/c

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 lucky I kept myself focused on the good things so being honest I never was scared. I looked at this as being a way to live again. As for dying from the surgery if god wanted that then so be it but, I have so much more for this world I knew I be ok. so nuts but it is how I felt

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?

I had most family and friends all for it. They where behind me 100% and even today after surgery they continue to be 100% with me. I had a few in the beginning scared. Do to bad stories they heard about the surgery. I managed to stay away from the bad stories. I had a few not high on the Doctor I picked but, you know what I would not had any other Doctor. To me he was the best.

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

Work was one of my biggest supports and continue to be today. They say wow when they see me and they say they can't get over how strong I been. I was out of work for 5 weeks which surpised them how little time I was out.

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 was good. I had the best nurses I could ever ask for. I was only to be there for 4 days but ended up staying for 6 do to pain medication making me sick nothing to do with surgery.

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?

once I got my date I was excited and could not wait to have it done. As for anxiety the only thing I felt was I hated the waiting I wanted it done like yesturday.

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

I was tired. I wanted to sleep. I was bored and that is when I wanted to eat solid foods. You have to keep your mind going. read a book write in a journal. try a walk even if you go to the end of the driveway and back. But remember you will be tired for a while at least a good 3 months so I been told. I am 2 months in and getting better every day.

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

not far at all about 20 miles from my house

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 started out eating cottage cheese and soups. I try the turkey chilli and omg thought I was gonna die. everyone is differant. I find 2 month into this I can eat almost everything no pasta or bread that kill me. I have a hard time with beef if it is tuff. STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR. omg that can kill yah. They told me I can have diet soda but, I gave it up it was making me sick.

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

everyday I get better and better. I join a gym and work out 2 to 3 x wk But, still being tired it is hard sometime with working fulltime. I find join a gym you have to pass on the way home then you know you will go..

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

I have a crewable vitamins I take 4x a day I got at the doctor office. and a take a 1 a day vitamin b12 pill

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?

nausea You see I was always a fast eater I have to learn to go slow so this is getting better. I have vomiting some but not a lot as for sleeping I been tired but, I been told this is the norm. I have not lost a lot of my hair alittle but, not anything to scare me. I know if my hair start to go I need to up my protien and will do so as for copping with the nausea I just do you have to. sometime I go lie down for a bit until it passes

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

the worst part is that you can not eat things you love again or even drink like juice I do miss my juice in the morning but I will learn to deal with it.

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

I started my own support group with a blog on myspace and I went to my 1st meeting at roger william hospital last night that I thought was one of the best things I could have done. I know I am not alone.

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

My scar are so small and everyday they get lighter

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none as of yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

this is sad but yes. There are people that would not give me the time or the day to talk to me and now that I am loosing they say good morning to me.