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

Medical journals and surgeons who performed various wt loss surgical procedures.

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

My first attempt was denied. If the surgeon's office staff is asertive and knows how to work with insurance companies they are able to get over any obstacles. I really didn't have to deal with the insurance company.

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

Very positive and informative. Dr Bono was uopfront and honesat about everything. Not bad on the eyes either. To get the best out of the meeting do some research and ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When diet and exercise programs failed my doctor told me I had no metabolism and this was the last resort which he supported me 100%. I did research on the procedures, surgeons, hospitals, pre and post op expectations etc.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was decided for me by the surgeon after the exam.

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 fine until the morning of surgery. Never had to have major surgery in the past and ended up having a priest come to see me before I went in. BTW if the hospital staff refuses to contact a priest, minister or rabbi for you that is a HIPAA violation.

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?

Some were shocked I was going to this extreme. They were never overwt so they could not empathize with what I was going through. Very supportive esp when they witnessed the wt loss.

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

No problem with my employer.

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

Definitely attend these before surgery. You are assigned an "angel" to guide you during the process. You find out a lot and learn alot from the other members' experiences.

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

My stay in ICU was 24-48 hrs longer than expected due to the effects of the MSO4. The floor staff were not too knowledgable about the bariatric beds and the nurse I had during the day had an attitude like she didn't care to be there. I took it upon myself to learn to operate the bed and take care of myself down to my wound care so I could get out of there however, an allergic reaction to one pain put the kabosh on that. Bring anything you normally use in your ADL.

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

Had to be on O2 and respiratory treatments at home.

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

Elated. Anxiety didn't creep in until abnout a week before and was at a head the day of surgery. Talked to the Nurse coordinator alot.

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

Initially I was taking the pain meds every 4-6 hrs and was on a liquid diet for 2 months. Lived on a recliner. Once I was able to get around more without assistance, not being in pain or throwing up I was just fine. Don't push yourself into doing things or advancing your diet until your body tells you it is rerady to do so.

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

Close to an hour. Had someone to take me just in case.

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.

Just liquids the first several weeks. You get that urge to chew something. Ignore it or you will pay for it. Listen to your body. If you get discomfort after eating something or you throw uyp afterwards, avoid it until your body gives you the green light also known as a craving. I couldn't tolerate dairy and certain protiens for about 6yrs. Everybodfy is different. You have to march to your own drummer with this one.

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

Mostly in then recliner and walked around the house. I had an open wound with a drain I had to clean and pack 2-3 times a day. About 2 weeks I went for drives with other people since I wasn't allowed to drive for several weeks I had to use a cane for assistance at times because I moved slow with the pain and open wound. After about 2 months I was able to tolerate an increase in activity and by 3mo I was back to driving etc.

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

Multi vit, B12, Calcium, Vit E, Iron, Fish oil vit C, Vit D3

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?

Vomiting. It was mostly with the introduction of solid foods. It occurs occasionly now and then. The Hair loss wasn't too bad and it did grow back. My hair came back in curly when before it was straight. I developed intasussuption 5 yrs postop which is rare. Thats a real trip.

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

The post op pain. Redheads are more sensitive to pain. This is what has me putting off any plastic surgery.

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

Dr Bono has a bariatric support grp in his practice. Monthly meetings and very supportive.

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

It was bigger than expected however once fully healed it is not that noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In ther last 2 yrs my wt fluctuates more now that I can tolerate more types of food. I watch very carefully what I eat and allow a treat only once a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. The self confidence you gain back shows in everything you do and it is interesting how people felt about you before the wt loss but never said it to your face. People are very discriminating and mean towards overwt people. Granted I was not really considered obese like many of the people who have this surgery but I am still the same person at 115lbs I was at 210lbs.