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

I had heard of it over the past years but never really knew what it entailed until my best friend became serious about it and went for a consult. I then began researching it intensly. It is a drastic step to become healthier but the potential success outweighs the bad.

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

I am a self pay patient and didn't have go to through the insurance parade. Thank goodness.

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

I love my doctor! I met him first at the seminar he provides. I then met him the next week for my consult. He is very honest, direct, and serious about his work. To get the most out of the meeting please write down questions you have and make sure you don't leave until you are confident. My doctor spent good quality time w/ me!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This site finally made me confident to have the surgery. I was very serious, started to research, and found this resource. My doctor selection also was found on this site. When I went to my consult, I spoke with 5 other patients who had already been through the process and they made me feel more comfortable.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am self pay and I knew I wanted RNY. That decision was made by researching sucess stories, statistics, etc. Since I am self pay the open procedure is more affordable.

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 am very paranoid about the complications. I feel my phys. is very well educated and has great ability. I am most fearful of getting a blood clot. I had to weigh the pros and cons. If the surgery is a success, I have many many good years ahead of me. If I don't do the surgery I will never know what it's like to be healthy and to have no physical limitations. My husband supports my decision, he wants me to be happy. Everyone should weigh their own pros and cons and make the decision for themselves.

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?

I love my husband! He told me he loved me the way I am but wants me to be happy. My sister was also very supportive. My mother also supports it but is a bit scared for me. Most of my co-workers support my decision and are excited for me.

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

The hospital stay was total pain. I had surgery on Wednesday and left on Sunday. Chapstick is very important. Loose pajama bottoms to put on when you walk. And a major support person. These are the things I used most.

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

My epidural wasn't working right and they blew a vein in my arm from the IV port. I whined a lot and asked for shots for pain. No other complications.

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 only had one week to prepare. They called one Wednesday and I was in surgery the next Wednesday. I was jittery and nervous but tried to keep my normal schedule.

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

Each day gets a little better. I took my pain meds the first night but not since then.

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

I traveled 4 1/2 hours for my surgery. They gave me a pain shot before I left the hospital and I stopped every hour to walk. The ride wasn't bad at all.

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.

First was liquids and popsicles. Then I moved to soft foods like cereal, refried beans, mac & cheese. Then progressed to crackers and cheese and then to regular food. So far everything has agreed w/ me and I have not been sick.

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

Came home on Sunday. No walking except on the way home. Monday I walked a block. Tuesdays I walked 4 blocks. Same on Wednesday, and then kept increasing as I could.

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

I take Spring Valley Chewable Multi-Vitamins daily.

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?

Sleeping through the night is a problem. It's getting better but I am losing sleep and it is hurting my energy level.

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

The hospital stay.

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

Friends who have had surgery, friends who haven't have surgery, and my phys. office

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

My scar is about 6 inches long and VERY thin. I had expected it to be wider and icky. However, they did a wonderful job. It's as thin as a pen line down my stomach and I'm only 5 wks out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only losing 2 to 3 # a week which is much less that right after surgery. It irks me but I know I'll make it and don't let to bother me too much.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not treating me different yet, as I'm only 5 wks out. But a lot of people who say "You look so good". So does that mean I looked bad before? Actually, I like to hear it, it let me know that I'm losing because I can't see it in myself yet.