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

My mom had bariatric surgery but at the time she had it my insurance would not cover it, I felt hopeless. When I found out about 10 years later my insurance started covering it I was exstatic! I had no fear and knew it would save my life.

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

The insurance approval was pretty simple. I had to go on a six month doctor supervised diet, show proof of my comorbitities and attend 6 group classes. My advice is to keep your chin up and do not quit hoping!

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

My first visit with my Dr was swift. It was in a group setting and you can get the most out of these visits by listening and asking any question you may have, they are happy to answer.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was going to die if I didn't

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just got the one my mom did RNY

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 no fears, what was going to happen was going to happen, I would have died an early death had I not had the surgery so I rationalized it that way.

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?

some of my friends were trying to talk me out of it, they were afraid I would over eat after the surgery and burst my stomach. After the surgery these same people werer so glad I had it done because they could see how much it helped me. Most of the people in my life were very supportive and happy for me!

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

My employer was supportive, I was out for about a week but I have a unique situation whereas I am able to lay down on the job when need be.

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

my stay in the hospital was awesome! The nurses were great! I was there 3 days and the most important thing to bring is a good pair of slip on shoes.

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

no complications what so ever

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 thrilled and was counting the days!

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

frustration with learning to eat tiny portions. That was the only issue I had!

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

2 hrs, it did not affect my aftercare at all.

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

My activity level was great after the surgery and with each passing week it got better and I had more endurance.

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

I have taken flintstones complete chewables... I am now taking prenatal vitamins though I am not pregnant. I have had all my stats checked twice and all my vitamin, mineral levels etc are normal

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?

at the six month point I started loosing my hair. I have lost about 3/4 of my hair, it breaks very easily but it has fallen out all over and not just in one spot, for that I am thankful. I have been taking biotin for my hair, I am not sure it helps though.

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

the gas that has to be passed immediately after surgery is the worst part.

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

I do not attend any aftercare programs

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

scars are small and barely visible

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am plateaued at 195 lbs. I attribute this to my not walking during the winter months.... movement is vital!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! people do not stare at me anymore, when they look at me they will smile instead of sneer. Men hold the door for me now and I have been asked out on dates, which I haven't done since I was 16.