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

I first heard about the bariatric surgery from someone that watched a show on it. I was interested in finding out more about it, but also thought "It would never work for me" and "they probably don't have this available in Canada. This is when I started my research. Driving near and far looking for a surgeon in Canada and calling everywhere.

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

I am covered by OHIP so I haven't had any problems so far.

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

I found out everything I wanted to know. The surgeon was great and the recetionist, although, extremly busy was very nice and pleasent. I would go in prepared with a list of questions, as there is always something that you forget to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I understand that this surgery is a tool and not a quick fix but I am ready to take on whatever comes my way. I want to live a long and healthy life, and on the track that I am on, that is very unlikely. I have trust in the surgeon and in the Candian health care system. I would rather die trying that not have tried at all. Emotionally I believe in my heart that this will change my out look on life and I can look in the mirror and take pride in who I am as person on the inside and the outside. I long to be normal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that the lap band wasn't for me so I indicated to the surgeon that I would like to have the gastric bypass. Also I didn't have 15,000 dollars Canadian to spend.

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?

My fear, if you can believe it, was that no one would put back all my piercings. I know that sounds silly but that was really the only thing that had my mind occupied. If I had to mention a fear that others can relate to I would have to say that I was questioning all night prior to surgery if I was doing the right thing. I guess they call that cold feet. Everything went fine and just remember what the drive was that pushed you in the direction of surgery.

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 very supportive but my friends on the other hand were not so keen on the idea. Sometimes I wish I had never said anything to anyone and just went ahead and did it. I am a strong individual and do as I please regardless of what others think however not saying anything would have saved me alot of explaining and debating.

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

My manager at work was great about the whole thing. She was really understanding and very accomodating. I told her exactly what my plans were and requested a 2 month sick leave. I was given my 2 months off and I am really glad that I took the time to heal completly.

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

My stay in the hospital was pretty good. I was in for 4 days and 3 nights. My tv kept my sanity...well that and my parents and family and friends that popped in to see me. I didn't really need much. Just the personals like brush toothbrush or whatever and some night gowns. Ohh and don't forget a housecoat and slippers the halls are kinda chilly.

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

Knock on wood the only complications I had was with the I.V. The nurse had to move it from one arm to the other because my arm started to swell up. That was my only problem.

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 waited 2 years for my surgery so getting my date was almost unbelievable. I was ready and had no anxiety except for my piercings.

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

My first few weeks have been pretty good except for a few things. First, not eating anything solid was a challenge for me..not physically but mentally. Kinda hard to watch others enjoying what were your favorite foods. I find it hard to eat 3 meals a day and get in all my vitamins. I took about a 1/2 of a pain pill when I got on from the hospital and that was it I was finished with those. Things smeel and taste different.

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

I live about an hour away from the hospital so it wasn't really that bad.

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.

Since my surgery I haven't really had any difficulties with any foods. I am very careful about wat I eat. I have completely avoided red meats since surgery and don't have any sugar filled products

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

I find that I get tired much more quickly and have less energy to do the things I was doing before surgery....however I am only 2 weeks out! So don't stress your energy comes back.

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

I am on a multivitamin, calcium, iron and a protein shake once a day. After 8 weeks I will be getting a vit B shot.

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?

Praise the Lord I had no nausea or vomiting since the surgery. It was uncomfortable to sleep at night because I sleep on my side and had to sleep on my back for the first while.

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

I have not used any sort of support groups or programs since surgery.

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

My surgeon or whoever stapled me did an amazing job. The scar looks great and I had no problems what so ever. It gets dry cause it's still healing so I just put some cream on it. 2 weeks out and it's a little sensative when my shirt touches it but it's not really a big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau after about 1 month post-op felt like it lasted forever but have continued to lose slowly

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I now have people that stare at me only because they aren't sure if I am the same person. Have had people stopping me to tell me I look great and ask what kind o diet I'm on. I have also noticed more men looking n my direction.