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

I started reading more and more in the media. At first, I thought I could never do that to myself, but the more I read and learned about the procedures and met others who had experienced it, I felt I had found an answer.

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

I was very lucky. They approved my surgery without any fight.

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

I felt good about my first visit. Dr Hoehn was friendly, supportive, told me I was making a very positive decision about the rest of my life. He answered all the questions I had, expounded on some of my questions. He walked through the upcoming process with me. Nola, Linda and Angelique ALL came into the room and spent time with me. Angelique has gone through the process herself, had before/after pictures - talked to me at length. They encouraged me to attend a monthly support group meeting and I went. I met lots of pre and post surgical patients and was so very encouraged by them. I think I will make some good friends from this group. They were so supportive and friendly. Overall, last week was a very positive experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The surgical aspect didn't bother me - it was wondering if I could tolerate the after life. Wondering if I could do it. After talking to others who have had this or similar surgery, I realized I could. My best friend ended up having a hysterectomy and partial bowel resection because of endometriosis. I've watched her slow recovery and think I have a realistic impression of some of what I will experience. I started out very skeptical and have finished very positive. INFORMATION is the best tool. Second is listening to other's experiences.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not want the open Rouen Y because I did not want to take that much time off of work. However, after the initial seminar, I think I realized that the lap Rouen Y is safer. Less chance of infection. Shorter hospital time and recovery.

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 realize that is a possibility. I don't believe it will happen to me. Maybe THAT is unrealistic. I don't have a lot of underlying medical problems that should encumber the surgery. I've had a tubal and an endometrial ablation prior and have experienced surgery before. Surgery always kicks you for a bit, and I don't like the pain and short term stuff you have to go through post-surgery, BUT! Life always gets better!

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 parents and son are not supportive. My daughter and a few friends I've told are. It's because they are not informed. I have not had the surgery yet. Once I start losing weight, I'm hoping they will come around.

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

I was out of work for 2 weeks. The week I came back was the week of Christmas and slow. I worked 1/2 day on Monday, 6 hours on Tuesday, 4 hours on Wed, was off Thurs, 4 hours on Friday. If I had to do it again, I would take 3 weeks off. My employer was fine. I had to tell HR what I was doing, my boss, I just told him I was having surgery.

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

I went home on the 3rd day. Thank God for morphine. It was tough getting in and out of bed, walking... there was pain. I had bleeding out of my rectum and so stayed for awhile longer than normal. Important things to bring.... can't think of anything... maybe ear plugs as I had a pain-in-the-butt roommate.

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

No

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

The first month was tough. Couldn't eat much... wanted to eat... had a bunch of holiday parties to go to and friends were freaking about how little I ate. I had a few things I missed, was sore, hurt to get around for awhile, was very weak. But after 1 month.. things got much better.

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

You get sick of jello and broth. The egg, while I wanted something different - did not sit well in my stomach (and to this day does not feel good to eat eggs). I loved refried beans and cheese. Chicken was hard to stomach, but I ate it. Even today if the chicken is dry... I can't deal with it. I tired easily. Had no idea how much to put on my plate, had the inclination to eat and after a few bites... was full.

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

30 minutes

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.

Jello, broth while in the hospital and the first week. The second week - first day could try eggs and the following days that week could try cheese, chicken, refried beans The second month - beans, all types of protein, veggies, fruit The fifth month and on - anything I could tolerate No citrus, no soda, no popcorn, no sugar, 40g carbs max, 60-70g protein max, 8 glasses of water a day, 1500 mg calcium a day, 2 vitamins a day and a vitamin B12 every week. And exercise

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

Not much. Got to walk about my apartment building - was tough

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

Calcium CITRATE - 1500mg a day Vitamin - 2 times a day Vitamin B12 - 1 a week Protein supplement for the first couple of months

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?

Was hard to sleep at first. Slept on the couch for the first month for comfort. Vomited 4 times - once at a dinner part - was eating too fast, so slowed down - and determined that dry chicken was a major problem. Also, eat when hungry - not wait - 'cause then I'm too hungry and apt to eat faster. I did not have dumping. Hair loss happened, but my hair is thick... no problem.

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

The first week after surgery hurt. But this too passes

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

I have 5 small scars on my stomach that have faded and are less noticeable than at first. I used vitamin E.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!!!!!!!!!! There are people who talk to me now, that I KNOW would not talk to me before. I get LOOKED AT by men. I enjoy the attention. I am NORMAL!