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

I heard about WLS from a friend who was looking into it. I asked my doctor about it but she refused to recommend it for me. I somewhat let the idea go and lived miserably until one day I decided that I wanted to form my own opinion and decide for myself if this was for me.

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

Jumping through all of the hoops for the insurance company was time consuming and frustrating but worth it in the end. I'm actually glad they had me do it all because it all ended up being part of a great learning experience. Hang in there if this is what you truly want. Just remember that all of the trials and tests are for your health and you will be better for it in the end.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was kind of rushed (or at least I felt that way). I didnt really get to know him on a personal level at that time. Be sure you write down any questions or concerns you have prior to the surgery and take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I realized that there was no other way I was going to get the weight off and I wanted so badly to live. I needed this tool!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to a seminar and classes and talked to many people over the course of 2+ years before I decided. I chose RNY because I want a lifetime tool that I can use to stay thin and healthy.

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 checked out my surgeon quite well and since he had little to no history of problems doing this procedure I wasnt worried too much there. In the back of my mind I was a little nervous of dying during the surgery since I have heart problems but I was assured and felt safe that they were aware of these problems and capable of taking care of me if ever I needed it. If you have fears prior to surgery, and this is totally normal, do an extensive check on the surgeon and the hospital where you will be having it done. Make sure you know about successes and how it is done there and clear up any questions you have before getting on the table.

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 is very supportive and happy about this decision! I couldnt ask for a better support system. It is very important to have possitive people around you at this time. My one sister was kind of on the fence about it all until she did more research and now she's very pleased I had it done.

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

I am not employed so this doesnt apply. I am disabled.

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

I arrived at the hospital on Wednesday and went home on Friday. It was a very short and very pleasant stay. The things that you'll want to bring for your comfort are: Chapstick socks or slippers toothbrush & toothpaste a book, crosswords, etc (something to pass time) a brush clothes to go home in

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

I had no complications from the surgery at all.

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 soooo excited when I finally got my surgery date. It couldnt come soon enough. And when they told me it was a month away I thought that would take forever but it went so fast. I spent my time preparing my home for my return and making a list of what to take. I also bought the items I knew I'd need when I got home. To cope with any anxiety I had I talked to others about it. I joined a few wls groups online too and that was really helpful because those people knew exactly what I was feeling and they were very helpful.

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

Coming home from the hospital was like finally starting on my journey. I was sent home with some pain medication just in case I needed it and instruction on exactly how to eat. The pain wasnt that bad at all, just a bit discomfort from being shuffled around inside I imagine but I used the meds to keep the edge off and so I could relax comfortably. I slept in a recliner chair the first two days because we have a waterbed and I didnt think getting in and out of it would be good for my stomach. I wasnt really hungry at all and had to remind myself to drink and eat my soups, etc. The biggest thing that is frustrating to me is not being able to drive for 4-6 weeks. But letting others help me is a good lesson too. :)

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

I traveled about 1 1/2 hours to the hospital to have my surgery. That's not too bad considering the care I got there. I only wish it was a little closer to follow up with the after classes, etc they offer. But I can also attend support classes where I live.

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 found that drinking milk made my stomach hurt, I gave it up completetly in the beginning.

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

I didnt do too much after surgery for the first week. I just tried to relax and let my body heal. I did get my 10 minutes of walking in daily though for the first 2 weeks. Then I went up to 22 minutes of walking and I could actually get around the house a lot easier as the days went on.

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

I take 4 chewable vitamins (2 in the morning & 2 at night), 2 Tums for calcium in the morning and two at night (both of these are for the first 6 weeks then it goes down to 2 a day each).

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?

I've been really lucky so far. None of these side effects bother me other than some hair loss but it wasnt too bad.

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

Waking up in the recovery room I had a lot of pain for a short time. Then the nurses came over and hooked me up to the pain medication button and all was better.

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

There is a wls support group that meets near my house every week and I was going there for a bit. Then I had a terrible tragedy in my family and I havent been able to get myself back into some things in my life. Not sure why, I really want and need to go again. Support groups are very important, and helpful .GO!

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

Minimal. I only have 4 little spots on my tummy. Nothing at all bad

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

OKAY this is big! I have been on a plateau for probably 4 months and counting, I cant seem to get any lower now. I know I probably dont exercise enough (ok I dont) but geez.... I think I need a kick in the behind hehe. I only have about 30lbs to go and I cant get there. UGH!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OMG YES! I have door held open for me now, I notice men looking at me more, there are so many changes since my weight loss. It's actually really sad to think society is that way but it is.