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

I have had several co-workers over the last few years who have had it done and they all said they would do it again. I was afraid to give up my favorite food.

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

My process was fairly easy although it did take a few months. Get tested for co-morbidities such as apnea or diabetes if not diagnosed already. Everything helps.

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

I did a lot of research on different types of procedures before seeing the Dr. I think that helped me make an informed decision and I got more detailed info. from the Dr. They have a flip chart showing different procedures and how they affect your body that was good.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just ready. It took me a year after the seminar to actually get it done. This secretly frustrated friends who had done it but they allowed me to make my own decision in my own time. I knew my health was only going to decline further and I didn't want to "stroke out" or end up in one of those scooter chairs because my joints were gone. Diabetes was not on my side.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance only covered RNY. I preferred that over the adjustments necessary with a lap band.

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 made out a psuedo will expressing my wishes if I had a bad problem with surgery. I told the anethesiologist of my fear of waking up during surgery. This was my first major surgery and I really didn't know what it was like. My sister prayed for me and I felt peace about the whole thing.

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 have 7 sisters and brothers and they have all been enthusiastic about this. I have always been the "fat one" of the family, as well as the youngest so I have always felt different.

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

My supervisor had this 4 years ago and has been a major supporter. I only missed two weeks of work but the first week back was a little rough pain wise.

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

My nurse in the hospital was really sweet. The hard time for me was the nights. I had a panic attack the second night because I couldn't get out of bed with the compression things on my legs. I left the next day and did better at home.

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

No significant complications. I had some funny pain but called the nurse coordinator @ the hospital and she reassured me it was normal.

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 had never had major surgery before (general anesthesia) and that concerned me the most. I have a strong faith in God and believe He had led me to this path so I felt at peace about it.

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

You need to have someone around to help you get out of bed. I lived alone and had people checking in with me daily but getting up from bed was very painful. I was allergic to the pain meds and had to rely on OTC liquid pain reliever. Walking as soon as possible is helpful.

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

I was in the same city so just a few miles.

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 was given very specific guidelines of what to eat so many days/weeks post-op. I admit, I pushed the envelope a little in progressing through the steps but had no problems until I started on meat. The first few times I ate beef or pork it came right back up. I actually ate in front of the food disposal for a couple of weeks because it seemed like it always came back up. That passed though and @ about 2 months out I could tolerate anything. I only get nauseous now if I eat too fast or too much, but it's pretty rare.

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

I was back at work after two weeks off. I did wear an abdominal binder for support and pain management. My job was part desk job part standing/bending so I had some pain the first week back. After that I was good, normal function.

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

I take Optisource orange chewables from Walgreens. I had a good bit of hair loss, it was thin to begin with, so I still take biotin and flaxseed with omega-3. These were recommended by my nutritionist.

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?

As I mentioned previously I did have hair loss starting about the 3rd month or so and still take supplements for that. My hair is growing back. I have "dumped" a few times when I ate something with high sugar and fat. It only lasts a few minutes. The vomiting was temporary early on and I have been fortunate with that.

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

Post-op pain. I only had OTC pain meds because of allergies to Rx. I would still do it again without hesitation because it has changed my life. I am healthy.

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

I chose not to go to the support meetings offered at the hospital. I had a couple of friends who had had WLS and they were very helpful with advise and support. I also became a member of OH and found the before and after pics so inspiring! I also got a lot out of the message boards and even put in my two cents occasionally. I sometimes get jealous of some people's success because I have plateaued for a while now and still need to lose another 25 or 30 lbs.

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

I had a lap RNY with a cholisistectomy so I have six small faint scars. I believe they will continue to fade but are not bad now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been at my current weight for about 2 1/2 months now. I feel if I get more exercise and eat less bread it will come on down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely. They say fat is the last "acceptable" discrimination. I know I judged people before I started losing, but now I have a lot more compassion. I look "normal" now so I guess I don't stick out so much.