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

I first found out about it thru a friend years ago. She had alot of issues with it and others did too at the time. I wanted it so bad but was scared and of course the insurance issues!

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

We finally had a insurance company that had the surgery option. I immediately attended a seminar and began the process. I had been on a supervised (E-Diets) weight loss program for a year before...thank God! The application process only took three months. Then approval!!!

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

Dr. Nick was wonderful. he explained everything...of course, because of Obesityhelp.com...it was just a reenforcement of what I already knew. I also loved it that they ad chaors for big people! I didn't have to panic because I worried about sitting in their chair!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Time had improved the process in the medical field and I ad insurance that covered it!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I eas ovr 200 lbs overweight, so I knew I ahd no choice but the RNY-Gastric bypass.

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 had them all but never to te extent that I feared being overweiht! I was more afraid of death if I did not have the 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?

They were surprised. I only told my closest family and friends before surgery because I did not want negative comments. After surgery everyone was very supportive!

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

I stayed overnight. Bring yourself, your Cpap because you will just sleep!

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

No, thank God

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 always felt great! I logged on everyday to read the forums to see how people dealt withtheir problems. Then if I thought I had a problem... I knew what to do. The biggest problem I had was how to know when I was full...but the I was on liquids!

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

I felt great. I paid alot of attention to the wounds because I did not want an infection and I stayed on this website!!

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

Only 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 really ave no problems as long aas you follow the doctor and the nutrititionists recommendations. I can't eat alot of things yet...three months, but that is o.k.... because I know I will be able to eat later. I realy have a problem with chicken any roughage.

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

I felt great for a old woman!!!!(58 yrs. old) I was not tired or weak or anything!

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

I take a Flintstones vitamin 2x a day and a B-complex. One time a week I take a sublingual B-12. I also eat two of those chewable camel calciums a day.

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 guess the oly sde effect I have had is votmiting, but I really don't tolerate alot of foods well. I try to stay away from them.

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

Absolutely nothing! It is one of the best things I have done in my life!

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

Of course I use this site! But once a month I go to a support group through my hospital. I feel both are critical to success!

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

I had laproscopic so they are great! I have worse from other surgerys.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet. (3 months) At almost six months I have slowed down quite a bit. I am having trouble getting teh scale to move!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are a lot nicer.