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

My Orthopedic doctor, Dr. DiCicco referred me to Dr. Bruce because he was seeing a wonderful woman who if she didnt change her lifestyle and weight, was going to have a end to her life. Thank you so much for caring Dr. DiCicco and Dr. Bruce for believing in me. :)

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

I have been on disability due to OA since I was 28years old. Medicare didnt balk too much about wanting to help with my surgery. If your insurance bucks at the idea of helping you with your gastric bypass surgery, hang in there. Encourage your Doctor to press that this is medically necessary and life changing :)

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

My first meeting with Dr. Bruce was in a seminar that explains in detail what procedure he was going to perform and how it would effect his patients and why. I walked up to Dr. Bruce, and introduced myself. And He remembered me from my Ortho's conversation with him. I was impressed because I know that he has had to seen 1000's of people and was special enough to remember my name. I was very happy and impressed when I left that night. He answered all my questions to help me have a good understanding.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being sick, and sleeping my life away.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

In 2003 this procedure was one of the only successful procedures out on the market.

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?

Although I was aware of them, I didnt focus on them and just looked at the positive ending :)

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?

They were surprised but supportive of my decision.

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

I wasnt employed anymore due to Chronic OA

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 5 days, with no complications other than having allergic reaction to Morphine.

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

I developed a problem with my stoma being too small and scar tissue tends to close it off. I have a esophigial dialation about every 8months to 1 year. If I had anything in question I made sure to call my doctor's office to ask questions.

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 anxious, but I made sure to prepare myself with this surgery mentally and making sure to have support set up for after care.

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

I will not gloss over anything. Your first 2 months will feel like hell! You are losing fat from your body, you crave food, get tired of jello and yogurt. And you have a smell that is unexplainable and embarassing. But this too shall pass... So hang in there and dont let the little things bug you. In the end you are going to look better and feel better about yourself.

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

I traveled 45 miles to have my surgery. It was hard riding in a car after my surgery but I endured it and became better with time.

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 week I was able to only eat broth, yogurt, jello all sugar free of course. Then I believe week 3 I was able to puree things to eat. This phase I got baby food to eat. It was nice to not have to eat so many sweet things. Week 4 I believe I was able to eat a small salad with a little bit of veggies in it. Nothing special. By week 6 I was on whatever I could tolerate diet. But I couldnt handle any meats still. As time went on, the foods got a bit more solid.

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

I couldnt do much when I got home except walking a little around my home. I rested allot in the first couple weeks. But that is normal due to your body is still healing. After 4 weeks I started walking outside, with my doctor's permission. And then my excercise got to be a bit better with time.

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

I started out with Flintstones chewables, and now I am on regular vitamins

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?

The dumping was the worse for me. But I have learned to do my best from trying to stay away from foods that cause it. Really didnt have many complications other than some nausea from the stoma issue.

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

The body getting rid of the fat that was stored in my body. It was a horrid smell and trust me I do not want to go thru that again! lol

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

I tried to attend the Support group associate with my Dr's group. But because of finances and distance, I am no longer able to attend.

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

My scar is down the center of my stomach, and I always joked I was going to get a zipper tattoo'ed over it. lol I also had a panelectomy to remove my tummy skirt in 2005 after 130lbs weight loss. So now I have an inverted cross. I am not happy with having scars, but I can live with it. :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I really didnt experience any plateau's. I lost weight very quickly and within 2 years I hit my goal weight of 153lbs. Well now I am dealing with regaining weight due to taking predisone for a lung disease I was diagnosed with March 25th 2008. I am now in remission with Sarcoidosis and being weaned off the prednisone and the weight is slowly shedding off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I actually turned heads. And people talked to me differently. I was approachable and people want to get to know me.