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

I met an old school mate that had it done in the late 70's, and I thought how dangerous, I'll do it the old fashion way, (which never worked.)

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

since I was always on a diet my weight loss program was on record at my family docs. I was interested in the lap band 2 years ago and had to travel to Ithaca to find a surgeon who did it, and at that time i decided to try to do it on my own, and started psychological therapy then, so when I really decided to really get something done I had most of the preliminary stuff done that ins. companies want. My insurance company was very supportive and agreeable to my operation and treatment.

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

My 1st visti with the dr was very informative, and encouaging.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

the fear of diabetic effects on my body. I wanted to be healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose rny because it was what I thought would be the most effective and useful for me.

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 afraid of everything, but my faith in God got me through all of this and my support from friends and fellow church members were great. My advice is to anyone is to pray and fully rely on god.

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?

very supportive, but they were scared for me.

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

I work for a school, did it over summer vacation, they could have cared less. My school friends how ever were very supportive.

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

My stay was great. I was there for 3 days, I reccomend bringing your own pillow, and something unconstricting to wear home, they should provide everything else you need.

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

My blood pressure always goes high after surgery so that was a small problem, till i was able to get up and walk around and go pee, then it went down.

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

Like I said my faith in the Lord got me through it all, and I had great support from family and friends

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

I did exactly what i was told to do and did not have any problems.

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

About a 2 hour drive, because I didn't have any complications it didn't affect my 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.

Up to the 8 week post op I followed my dr diet to the tee. As I started introducing foods a little at a time I have done very well, I don't usually have a problem unless I eat to fast. The secret is to chew chew chew, and eat protien first then veggies then fruit, then carbs last if there is room carbs

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

i walked, and did things around the house. No lifting or vaccuming for 6 weeks, my hubby and son did that for me. Then I started riding my recumbrent bike.

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

flintstones chewable, now taking centrum, paxil, sub lingual b12, 3 tums, and biotin for hair loss, going to start a clacium plus vit. D as soon as I get to the store to buy 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?

Hair loss only because I can't get used to a shorter style, and am trying to get it right and an on going thing with hot flashes, it is horrible, I cope with them by just dealing with them. I have had the flashes since about 2 months out dr's don't seem to know what to do.

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

I guess not being able to sleep well right after the surgery, sore and tender, but the 2nd day was much better.

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

I belong to an on line support group called daily strength.org. It has been very helpful. I need a precise diet to follow for 8 weeks out, and do not have one yet.

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

7 small scars it is what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I screwed up at Christmas time and ate cookies and stuff that was not on my program. I gained 4 lbs over the holidays, and have found it very difficult to lose since then. i got down to 204 and flucuate righrt now between 204 ande 209 I am very discouraged I have done this since Jan. going on almost a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, most defineatly yes, they seem to care about my opinion.