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

2 1/2 years ago my daughter-in-law had a gastric bypass and I saw how well she did. She encouraged me to look into having it done. I contemplated it for 2 yrs. and finally decided that if I wanted to live to a ripe old age I had to do something about my weight. So on May 2,2005 I had my gastric bypass and am doing great.

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

After I had all my testing my doctors office called me with a date for my surgery very shortly after. They handled everything with Medicare. I never had a problem. If the staff at your Dr.'s office are competant you should have no obstacles with Medicare.

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

My first visit was very informative. My surgeon was kind and answered all my questions without hesitation. Make a list of questions you may have before visiting with the surgeon for the first time. When you are nervous you tend to forget some things.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was becoming very unstable. I have numerous co-morbidities such as asthma, heart problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia, severe back pain. If I didn't do something I was going to wind up dead.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research and realized that the gastric bypass was the only way I was going to lose all the weight I needed to lose.

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?

Weeks before my surgery I was very fearful of dying. I had so many things againest me. Major surgery is always dangerous. I even had instructions for my husband and children as to what I wanted if I passed. But the week before I did alot of praying and finally put myself into Gods hands. He is the only one that knows how it will all turn out.

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 and friends were all very supportive, except my daughter who is 23 yrs. old, she was very afraid that I would die. Rightfully so, she has already lost her father and stepfather. But after she saw that I came out ok and she sees the weight coming off she if very happy for me. She is one of my greatest supporters now.

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

I've been on disability for 13 yrs. so there was no employer to notify.

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

My hospital stay was very comfortable. I really didn't need much of anything. They even supplied toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. I did bring reading material. My whole stay I was in a hospital gown, didn't need the PJ's I brought along. It's more comfortable in the gown because of all the wires and tubes. I was in for four days only because my O2 levels were very low. Otherwise I would have been home in 3 days.

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

I had absolutely no complications. After about 2 weeks I was even questioning whether or not the surgery was actually performed because I felt so good.

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 was soooo excited and scared but praying helps alot. And Obesityhelp has so many wonderfully supportive people. They also helped me.

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

Please understand that everyone is different. I was feeling so good in the first few weeks. I never had any trouble eating, no vomiting, no pain. I just had to remind myself to eat slow, chew well and don't drink for at least 30 minutes.

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

It takes me 20-25 to get to my surgeons office which is located in the same hospital where I had my surgery. When it comes time for my appointments I never miss one. Aftercare is so very important and it makes you feel good to see the pounds dropping off.

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 kept away from sugars, candies, fats, etc. Only because I had heard about dumping syndrome and didn't want to experience it. I'm now 2 1/2 months post-op and I can eat pretty much anything. I haven't had a bad experience with any particular food. 1 month after surgery I did swallow a piece of chicken without chewing properly and was very nausiated for about 1/2 hour. Wasn't able to finish my meal. I just try to eat properly now and don't let myself get carried away into my bad eating habits.

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

For the first week I just stayed at home not doing much of anything,then I began walking during my 2nd week. I felt awesome considering I couldn't walk 10 ft. without having difficulty before surgery. I am now doing a complete body workout 3 times a week and in between I try to walk on the treadmill or ride a stationary bike.

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

I took liquid multivitamins for the first month and chewable Caltrate Plus. I am now taking chewable multivitamin and still take my Caltrate.

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 only 2 1/2 mths. out and the only side effects I have had is that I have alot of difficulty falling asleep. So much that I had my PCP call in a RX for a sleeping aid. It does seem to be getting better even though I don't take the sleeping pill all the time. Afraid of addiction to it.

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

The WAITING for a date for surgery. Having to run around having all kinds of tests done wasn't fun but a requirement, so it's par for the course.

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

I attend my surgeons support group once a month. I find it to be helpful because there are so many people there that can offer their advice and opinions on different matters. I feel it's important to have some sort of support system in place in order for me to be successful.

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

I have 5 very small scars, from having the laproscopic surgery. They have healed pretty well. This is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now I feel like I haven't been losing any weight for the past 2 weeks even though I am now working out, I think I should start keeping track of my protein intake again. I used to journal everything I ate and I stopped about 3 wks. ago.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't see any difference in the way I am treated. Just everyone I know tells me how great I look. I still have a long way to go.