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

I heard about it on the radio and then checked with my doctor.

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

I did,nt have a hard time with the Insurance, my doctor had to fill out the forms and Fax them in to OHIP. I suggest to get the Insurance in as soon as you can.

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

I was very nervous at my first visit with my surgeon. But after the conference had confidence in his work. But he did exsplain complication can arise. I suggest before even going to see the surgeon you do your research, and check out Obesity Help.com site as they have alot of good Questions for you to ask. They also have alot of answers but, I must say don't take there word before asking your doctor or surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My final Decission was made at the conference. After meeting the sureon and talking to him, and Talking to other that attended who have had the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did my own research and decided the safest for me was the RNY.

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 had alot of faith, and just knew I had to go through the surgery for my future Health. I'd tell others the surgery is not a instant cure but a tool for to help you with. You can and will do well but you need to be patient & listen to your surgions orders. This is a lifestyle change for the rest of your life.

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

Live on a disability had a brain Tumour.Suffer From short term memory loss and Fatique issues.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was very glad I went as I got to meet my Surgeon and talk to him personally. Also I was able to see real people who had gone through the surgery, and discuss with them there results.Well worth attending and very Imformative.

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

I was In Hospital 5 days. My stay was excellent. The Staff at Faxton Saint Lukes hospital were so friendly, and really new how to help you. You rang the buzzer and within 2 minutes someone was there. we Had private rooms. Even the cleaning staff were very friendly.The staff all were very exsperienced in Bariatric surgery.

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

I Did'nt have any problems other than the usual low blood pressure I often Have.

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 excited after getting my surgery date as I was ready for the help.

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

The first seven weeks after surgery are very important you MUST follow your diet and listen closely to your surgeons instuctions.

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

I travelled from Canada to Utica New York I'm not sure of the distants but it took 3 &1/2 hr drive one way. My aftercare has not been affected as I make my 1 month appointment, 3month,and I'm looking forward to my 6month checkup May the 3rd.It's a nice trip as long as the weather is ok.Dr Graber said if there was bad weather we would work around that he is very accomadating that way.

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.

Sorry can't remember much about food we could eat and when. I Just followed the 7 week diet the Doctor ordered. I Must say you do use small portions and your not to drink anything even water 1/2hr Before a meal and 1 hr after Meals. And your required to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. I still can only get 6 glasses a day.

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

My activity the first 2 weeks was minimal. But after that I excerise every day even If it is only a walk around the block.

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

I only take the Vitamens my surgeon has ordered according to my results of my blood work.

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 Exsperienced dumping Twice in the first two weeks, and learned Quickly . My first two weeks I was awake alot very restless at night. But That soon stopped. My Hair loss started a about 3 months, and still excess I now have bought avon Hair repair shampoo, conditioner and treatment, that seems to be helping.

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

The few days before surgery was bad as to what you could eat,Then my first week was rough but I've learned so was alot of other Peoples.

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

We have a Ottawa support group who meets once amonth, but I also travel to Brockville which is about 3/4 hr drive to a once a month coffie support group. Support groups are very Important, as We need support and many Questions answered by those who have already had there surgerys. Also Obesity help.com is great, to look up any Questions we may have. No Question is foolish as any Questions you may have someone else knows the answer.Just post the Questions and check back daily for answers.

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

My scars are small as I applied Vitamen E to them nightly after the first week and they are pretty much faded out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Over the 5 months I've had two plateaus, Which are good for you as your body needs a bit of time to catch up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people seem to be noticing me for the good and complimenting me. Which feels Great!!!