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

My ex-husband had the surgery about a year and a half ago and it helped him quite a bit.

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

Getting the coverage was a challenge only because I was recently married and my new husbands plan has a pre-existing clause but I spoke to them personally and explained the benefits for a diabetic and they decided to allow the surgery. Just let them know how passionate you are about having the surgery and they too may listen to you.

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

It was very informative. He showed my husband and me a video presentation about the surgery and spoke very slowly and clearly and asked us if we had any questions several times during the visit. Just bring a list of questions you might have and if any go unanswered then ask them No questions can be too silly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The success rate with diabetics.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I wanted the laproscopic procedure because of the recovery time.

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 had no fears because I have a very strong faith in God and I just turned it over to him. Plus I also liked and trusted my surgeon.

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 all very supportive. They are still supportive (5 weeks post-op)

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

I am not employed. Permantly disabled due to a back injury 25 yrs ago.

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

My hospital stay was 2 days in length and was very positve. The staff was very supportive and understanding.

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

No problems post-op except for a back problem due to my history of back surgery and permanent disability.

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

My energy level has increased almost 10 fold and I can now see physical changes especially in post-op pictures.

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

Just take it easy and follow your diet to the letter. Your doctor knows what you should be eating and just follow his program. Each doctor is different.

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

Only about 20 - 30 minutes away. I had no problems with post-op aftercare.

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.

The first few weeks I thought would be tough but I really didn't have any hunger or problems ajusting to the diet program. It was modified liquids for the first few weeks and then I progressed to a regular diet. YOU HAVE TO CHEW< CHEW< CHEW your food well or you will have problems. Follow your doctors program and you will be just fine.

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

I have just started an exercise program at CURVES and I'm 5 weeks post-op. I feel just great. I did have to take it easy for the first 2 weeks but your body will let you know when you can increase activity as well as when you see your doctor during the first few aftercare visits.

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

I take a chewable adult multivitamin and Caltrate for my calcium level but that's it.

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?

So far I have only had vomiting a few times while eating and that's because I knew I hadn't chewed my food well enough but I felt ok right afterwards. I have had no hair loss as of yet but that's because I make sure I'm eating enough protein.

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

Just the pain I had due to my back disability. Other than that nothing really.

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

I have several family and friends who have had the surgery and we are our own support group. If I have any questions I do call my coordinator and she helps me out.

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

What scarring?? I had the procedure done laproscopicly and the scars are almost gone.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. They are jsut thrilled with my success and don't try to push me to eat anymore.