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

I am a health professional. I did not consider the RNY until my friend started talking about it. She is scheduled for June 2. Good look Sharon!

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

I did not have any problems. I just followed what they wanted. New Start and Dr. Gaskin provided an excellent letter. Make sure you have everything. Know what your policy covers. Have one specific contact at the insurance company that way you get consistant anwsers. My insurance was great and so was everyone I dealt with

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

The surgeon was very good. He answered questions and was very up front. When you go to these meetings keep an open mind make sure that you truly listen and see. Write questions down and make sure you understand the answers

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that I might get to the point were I would not be able to walk. I was currently having difficulty going up and down stairs and walking. My ortho surgeon told me that I need to loose 80 before I could have a knee replacement

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reviewed all the procedures and complicatins

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?

Surgery all by itself has possible complication. Weight loss surgery is no different. I knew the possibliity of having complication but hospital error played a major role

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 has been very supportive

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

Everyone has been very supportive

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

I was in the hospital from 12-2-03 to 12-11-03 Bring chapstick, lotion that you like, an advocate

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

Due to hospital error-wrong abd. band I developed pnemonia. Also had 3 abdominal abcesses from mrsa-resistant staff. Was very ill for 3 months. Hospitalized in a different hospital. IV antibiotic at home for over 4 weeks. Home health for over 10 weeks

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 very ill and weak and afraid I was going to die

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

I was weak, nausated, had a temperature

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

Across state. My primary care physician has done an excellent job.

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 had to stick with liquids. Today I still have trouble with food.

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

It took 3 months for me to return to work. I still was very weak. I am doing better now but still get very tired

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

I take protein at least 2 times per day. Flintstone vitamins and tums

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?

First three months had nausea, vomiting, temperature and I was very very cold. Hair loss about 15 weeks it was really bad. I just keep going. This to shall pass

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

The complications and the physician quiting. I felt abandoned even though I could see his partner

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

I went to my first support group last Sunday May 22, it was great. I hope to continue going. I have had the support of a friend who had the surgery 5 weeks after I did and one who is scheduled. With out the support of them and my other friends it would have been difficulty. My husband has been great.

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

Ugly but worth it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have been on plateau for the last month--it is driving me crazy. I have tried increasing protein and water. It will pass I just need more patiences

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is amazing how people treat you differently. It is hard to explain. People are upset in restaurants when you don't eat.