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

I worked with someone many years ago who had bariatric surgery but never considered it for myself then. About 3 years ago my orthepedic surgeon suggested to me that i might want to think about it because he could not replace my knees at the weight i am at. After thinking about it for quite some time, and originally thinking "this is not for me".....and then having my Family physician suggest it to me early this year...... i started thinking more and more about it .. and started doing my research both on the web and in printed material. I now know that it is a very serious but indeed a good method to achieve better health.

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

Getting the insurance company to approve my surgery was fairly simple. The hardest part to me seemed to be all the gathering of the information... and trying to get doctors offices to copy my records in a timely fashion! But i have to admit that doing the research and getting all the doctor's information i could, made the approval simple.

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

My first and only visit so far with my surgeon went smoothly, efficiently and made me glad of my choice. How can people get the most out of the meeting???? GO PREPARED!!! Do your home work.. make a list of questions.... that is the time to ask them!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The impressive amount of positive feedback i have found in those who have had the surgery. That and the knowledge that at this point of my life ( make that age , 56) I think it is the only way that i can assure my self of a healthier and longer life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Mostly the decision was made for me when i decided to have DR. Poplawski as my surgeon, he only does open rny.... but since making that decision i feel very confident in it .

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?

The fears are there... but my chances of dying from the obesity is much greater than the chances with surgery.

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 reacted extremely favorably. And have made it a point to learn what they can about it too. My girlfriends are not as sure about it ....but then there may be some jealousy involved there.

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

N/a

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

My hospital stay was a very good one , especially since it was my first major surgery ever ! and my first over night stay! I was in hospital 4 days. I found all the staff understanding and caring...... my needs were handling efficiently and promptly. Most important to bring is a positive attitude .....you are too drugged out at first to care about reading or anything else ... I never touched the magazine i took or the book..... Also... your own bed pillow... believe me it helps!!!!

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

I had no complications. I feel very blessed about that. But then i had a great surgeon!!!

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 excited and very anxious to have it done...... Once i made up my mind and insurance approved.... I wanted the surgery yessterday!

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

Some discomfort...... The realization of how much you use your stomach muscles!!! Also i did have a day or too of the "Oh my God...waht havev i done " syndrome... but that faded fast.... My srugeon said everyone has that.

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

200 miles. Did nt affect my after care at all.

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.

Well first 6 weEks it was a progressive liquid to soft foods diet ..ad nthen finally regular food..... That was a scary day ..... But you soon find that this surgery really works..... you are full faster ....and enjoy food so much more!!! Beef adn Corn are offlimits .. adn i have to be careful of white bread ..... other than that and the regualr dietary requirements .. protein intake , 2 gms of sugar, 10 grams of fat....

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

Little activity at first, my energy level stayed low for quite some time ...... but in the past month has been raised tremendously!!!

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

2 One-a-Day women's vitamins a day and 1000 mg of calcium....

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 luckily had no side effects....

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

The binder and the TED Hose!!

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

none

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

It is 10 1/2 inches long. Still red, but surgeon said it might take 2 years t ofade. Yes it is what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet !!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NOt really.....