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

I first found out in 1982, when my sister told me about it. I was excited, but I did not have regular insurance, and could not get such a expeirmental procedure. Sorry, I am a bad speller!

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

In 2005 my OHP would not cover the surgery, even though I had Medicare since 1992. In 2009 I found out from my Dr. it was covered when she asked me why I did'nt was baratic surgery. So as the story goes I am here now!

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

Well it was just a week before the my surgery. He was very outgoing with his sincerity. He talked I listened, then he asked what my concerns were, and did I have any worries about the surgery? But I felt I was knowledgable, in what I was and what he was doing. He was great after surgery also!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To realize I was out of options. I waited to long to get my act together, and if I wanted to live longer then 65 without all the unhappiness, I had to take the next big step. I tried a place here in my town called, "the new well". My youngest daughter lost 55 lbs and my oldest has so far lost 45 lbs, yet, for me with bad balance, and a curves like circuit I was not successful, except in the diet. I learned how to eat more veggies, measure my protein and have a limited amount of fruit and starches, and no starches at night. I lost some weight. Not much and certainly not enough to live the life I want to live. I just waited too long. Now I can find my success in myself and in the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I need a no op option. I heard stories of failures with the lap band, and since I have a lupus type illness and my sister has lupus, and possibility my mother had it back in the late 70's I knew you can't have the lap band, so I wanted to make sure I had problems covered.

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?

For me my life is in Gods hands and if I made it, it was his will. I had no fears except for my family. Life is a one baby step at a time, but sometimes we just have to go with it! So I did, and I have no complications, well, except for still drinking what water I can drink to drink slow, real slow!

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 was happy for me, by daughters were some what worried, but they knew. It some times is all or nothing.

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

The drive took 5 hours for a 1 hour seminar and had been the second seminar I had been to. The first was a from a surgeon doing it on his own and he seemed to only be interested in the money he charged. The other was at OHSU, OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY. They take there work very seriously.

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

I went in on a Monday and home on a Thursday, 3 days. I was sore, but fine my daughters took good care of me when I got home. Loose fitting clothes, for me my pillows, but I did'nt need them theirs worked fine, and an eye mask!

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

No none

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

It was only a month or less, and why do I have to wait so long! It was just waiting I wanted it yesterday like all good Americans!

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

Eating soups and cream of wheat, I WAS SO OVER IT!!, I knew they had their reasons, but after other foods it a hard reality. I would suggest try the clear diet at home before the hospital, so you don't fee; the after shock.

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

Well now I travel 4 hours, since I loved a bit closer to Portland. Not 5 just 4 hours.

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 hard thing for me is getting down all my water. My body just does'nt want it. I went to drinking whey protein shots, they had 42 grams, so less liquid. When I first met with my personel dietian they gave me a binder on all they above and told me to read it and put to memory, but of course I did'nt. Just know that chewing in very important. 30 plus times is best. I am on phase 4 now I can have mostly anything, but remember first eat your protein, then your veggie, then your fruit, 4th you can have your grain and last of all your starches. Add on veggie at a time. Measure your protein. Freeze your portions, like your turkeyburger. I have a problem with remembering to wait 30 minutes after you eat before you have any liquids.

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

I had a problem with my hip replacement, well it was a doctor who did it but it will be 3 yrs in August and they still can't understand why I can't put weight on my leg and I need a cane too. So I hope when I start my physical fitness in a few days they can help me work through the pain and get past it.

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

I take Iron auppliments as it is, so I just have to take a good vitamin. But I started with a flintstone complete gummie, but I can't stand the taste.

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 am lucky to say that I have none of they above, and I know if I were to eat a bad sugar were told you will have dumping. I live 2 houses down from donut country and I have been a good Jackie. These days!

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

That their was none. I am feel confident, and with confidence comes success!

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

Because I live so far away from the hospital and all their programs, I looked up the southern oregon baratic center, and there was no one there. I left a message too, I said where is everyone?

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

I have the 5 laperscopic scars, but I do have a 2 inch scar where my dr. fixed a hernia. It showed up 16 years after my twins were born. I gained a lot of weight on predizone and then lost 40 and boom it's a hernia!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet.