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

The first time I heard about the surgery was when I was watching a morning news show and one fella had the surgery and he looked great. My initial thought about the surgery was "Would I be a good candidate for the surgery"

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

Well as far as insurance I am one of the lucky ones because I have medicaid and they cover the surgery.

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

The first visit to my surgeon was a little scary and wonderful all at the same time. The surgeon was very helpful in answering my questions and taking me step by step of the procedure. I believe that people will get the most out of the meeting if they ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I guess my desision to have the surgery had alot to do with meeting the surgeon. Right after we talked for about an hour I set a date for my surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not really decide as to which proceedure to have done the surgeon only does one type of procedure and he said that would be the best.

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 not afraid in the least bit about dying from the surgery, because I had God on my side and having faith in the Lord and lots of prayers eased my mind of any fears I had. I think the only fear I had was failing after the 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 friends and family were very supportave of the decision I made to have the surgery and they are still very supportive even after the 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 considered Disabled so I do not have a job. But when I have lost the weight I need to loose that I am sure will change and I will be looking for a job.

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

My stay in the hospital was fine and I was only in there from Monday to Wednesday. I would reccomend that you just bring a robe and house shoes because the day after the surgery they had me up and walking and the hospital gowns do not cover everything. ha ha ha

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

I had no problems with my surgery. Thank You Lord.

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 only had about 5 days from when I saw the surgeon until my surgery date and I was very anxious and nervous all in one. The only way that I found to ease the anxiety and nervousness was to pray and talk to friends and family.

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

The first week home from the hospital was really tough. I was very emotional and crying alot especially when I would see a commercial on the television advertising one of my favorite foods. But after I got the first week over with my emotional roller coaster was over. Now I just try and focus on the good food and lots of water and walking.

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

I had my surgery right here in town where I live so that was great.

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, the first week I wan on nothing but liquids then I went to pureed foods. Absolutly no SUGAR no FRIED FOODS!!!!! I have been watching my carb intake and protein (VERY IMPORTANT)!!! I am only 1 month out and I am now on soft solids and pureed foods and things are going great.

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

In the first 5 days after the surgery I only did a little walking and lots of resting, was very tired and drained. After about the fifth day I seem to be a totally different person, I was ready to run a marathon. I still had to take it very easy because I still had some pain. Now that I am 1 month out I have been doing some leg lift exercises and lots of walking about 30 to 45 min. a day.

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

I started out on the childrens chewable vitamins and then when I went to the Doctor on my 1 week check up they gave me a vitamin spray "Vitamist"

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 would have to say the worst side effect I had was Nausia and sleep distubance. The nausia was only there for about maybe 5 days and the sleep distubance I am still having problems with. As far as the Nausia I sucked on some crackers and that seemed to help. The sleep problems I still don't have a clue as to how to solve this problem.

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

I think the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process was getting through the liquid menu, It was very hard to get the liquids to digest properly. Things settled down about the 4 day of liquids.

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

We have a support group that only meets once a month, but also here in Great Falls, MT We have the bariatric Clinic and they are so very helpful and can answer any questions that you may have and they are also a great support team. I truely believe that a good support system is very important.

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

I had a close RNY so I only have 5 little scars. I knew that would be all that I would have.