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

I actually remember the horror stories back in the '70's, as my mother took me to TOPS when I was nine years old. I didn't really know much about Bariatrics until the '90's, when so many fat friends were starting to get it. By 2002 or 2003, my Best Friend got RNY Gastric Bypass, and she kept telling me I should get one, too.

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

Document everything. If you weigh too much (weight capacity of scale) or just do not want to be weighed at regular doctor visits, you may have to jump through hoops proving your weight when it comes time for your insurance to approve you.

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

I have meet three surgeons in my past and present experience with Bariatrics. I am awaiting my first real visit with the surgeon who may be doing my procedure - and will update this portion when I have that information.*** Surgeon is Jeffrey A Hunter, MD, FASC -- Virginia Mason Bariatrics

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After dropping out in the early half of 2005, I kept telling myself, "You can do this on your own!!" Early 2009 I knew I was ready. My date for going to the seminar was postponed, due to injury sustained in an auto accident, but I told my primary doctor I really needed Bariatric Intervention, as I had proven I could NOT lose weight on my own - November 2009.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Hearing that more has been learned about RNY Gastric Bypass - that Distal Bypass is rare, I was more open to RNY. Due to how my body works, I feel (and my primary doctor agreed) that restriction coupled with a degree of malabsorption will hopefully be what I need to get to a healthier weight.

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?

Death of course is number one, followed by not succeeding. I have seen 15 friends go through Gastric Bypass, and a lot of them either were unable to sustain their weight loss or did not follow the exercise and supplement plans to help them succeed. I will not be like three of them who went back for revisions!

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?

Mostly possitive. I even found out one person dropped out of a program because they became obsessed with food, and GAINED weight when trying to lose the required ten percent. My daughter is worried.

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

It will not be an issue for me. I have great support.

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

The first one (2004), I was not left feeling positive, "One of you in this group will die from complications..." I have been to a total of six different seminars - some were great, some marginal. I am glad I asked questions and heard the differences in the surgeons approach.

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

I stayed one night, even with a minor addition to the surgery - a "gastric mass" was found in my stomach. After checking the tumor, it was benign, I was given the "ok" to go home. I was not on a "Bariatric Floor," I was on a "Cancer Ward," and received EXCELLENT care and attention. The nurses on the ward kept me comfortable and made sure my mental state was upbeat.

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

The only complication relates to wound care related to a hernia repair - NOT to the Gastric Bypass. The only other issue was that a "Gastric Mass" was found, and removed. In my opinion, the "Gastric Mass" being found was a GREAT thing, not a acomplication. I am three weeks out and still have seroma leaking from the hernia wound.

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 did have a little anxiety, but that is normal. My trust in my surgeon was rewarded, as he found a "Gastric Mass" that needed to be removed.

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

Soreness, but it wasn't too bad. I did have Hydrocodone available to me, which I used four or five days. Be cautious of lifting, I went back to doing laundry around week two, which I probably should not have done. My energy came back by week two, and I am chomping at the bit to be released back to swimming.

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

I was local - within 20 miles of the hospital where the surgery took place, one town mover from my surgeons clinic. I have had to go back for wound care this week, and had no trouble making a same day appointment.

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.

Following the post-op diet has been easy. I received a call from the nutrtionist the day before Thanksgiving (eight days after surgery), which was helpful. I went to my two week appointment, was given the okay to move to pureed foods, and discussed supplements. So far, I have had no issues with eating. I get my protein, water, and supplements. I suggest keeping a journal, it is helpful to see if you are meeting goals or having issues.

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

I kept it simple, just moving about my home, climbing stairs only when needed. Driving did not happen until I was no longer taking pain killers (narcotics), and I made sure not to push myself too far. I am in week three, I am looking forward to being released to more activity - mainly, swimming.

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

Celebrate Vitamins.

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?

No nausea, no vomiting, no dumping, just sore when I sleep. I am getting my "routine" back, and sleeping better in week three.

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

Probably the anxiety related to going into surgery. We all worry, but staying positive made going into anestesia much easier. I spent many months preparing myself for eating differently, taking supplements, so it was easier for me than some. If you spend time getting your head ready, it makes everything so much easier.

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

I became a member of my support group many months prior to getting surgery (started in March, surgery was in November), and I have plans to join my surgeons support group. Keeping my thoughts in one place - my blog on Obesity Help - has been VERY beneficial. This is a very necessary part of succeeding after surgery.

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

The laproscopic scars are fine, minimal. I had an additional scar related to a hernia repair - it is about 4 inches long, but I can live with it!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am not at a point where this is an issue, yet -- I may have to wait & update this portion of the survey.