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

I had several friends who had surgery and I was terrified at first about having it. I put it off for years.

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

I was approved within 1 week. I advise people to pray alot and stay on your insurance company!

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

It was wonderful! I knew almost from the beginning that I had chosen the right surgeon. To get the most out of your first visit, be prepared. Ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was told by my PCP that my diabetes and blood pressure were so out of control that I might stroke out.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I heard my surgeon say during my seminar that for some reason the lap band procedure did not work very well for 3 types of people - 1. African American women, 2. people over 50, and 3. people who are insulin dependent. It was then that I opted for gastric bypass surgery.

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 didn't think that I would make it thru the surgery. During the first week after surgery, I was terrified to be left home alone. I guess I'd tell others that it's okay to be a little afraid, but don't be consumed by fear. Make arrangements to have someone with the day of and days after your 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?

They didn't think it was a good idea at first. Once I explained details about the surgical procedure to them, they felt better. They have been very supportive of me since my surgery.

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

I am unemployed at this time.

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

I enjoyed my stay at the hospital. The nursing staff was very professional and polite. I stayed in the hospital 2 1/2 days. I brought along personal hygiene items.

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

No complications. Thank God!

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

Some days were better than others. I experienced alot of nausea, some vomiting, and alot of diarrhea. I lost my temper a couple of times and blew up at a few people. I don't usually do that. I did apologize and now things are fine.

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

I stayed in bed most of the time during that first week. I couldn't drink much and hardly ate anything. The second week was a little better. The third week I got back into my old routine, but stayed exhausted from being more active. I think people should get plenty of rest and not rush themselves. Take your time. Slowly build up to doing the things you did before.

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

80 miles. Though I can't attend aftercare in the city where I had my surgery, I have been invited to attend aftercare here in my own hometown.

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 could not eat citrus fruit or strawberrys. I don't get very hungry so I don't eat much right now.

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

Very minimal activity.

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

I take vitamin B-12, calcium, and children's chewables.

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, vomiting, dumping, diarrhea.

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

I was in a great deal of pain immediately after surgery.

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

There is a support group that meets here once a month. Hearing what others went thru on their journey and tips from the surgeon really helps. They also have a newsletter published once a month.

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

Very small. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not that I can tell.