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

My PCP told me about WLS. I was nervous until I looked into it further on my own.

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

I had BC/BS at the time of surgery, the Drs office took care of it all, I had no problems.

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

I wrote some questions down and brought them with me. My surgeon was great and even drew diagrams for me to understand!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed something to help me lose weight, keep it off and get healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Deciding is definately a personal choice. But, for me my final decsion was made by me doing research on all my options.

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?

you can walk out of your door, or be riding home from work and have something happen to you. With surgery, you are in a planned environment. Be open and honest with the doctors and they will do the best they can for you!

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 and friends were concerned about the risks, but I explained things as I learned and everyone was always supportive. I still have the same group of friends and things have not changed for me in that area... they still support me.

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

My employers were very helpful to me. No one is thrilled to have an employee out of work so long. I was out for 9 weeks. My job did consist of heavy lifting though.

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

my hospital stay was fine, minimal pain. I was there for 3 days..only because I had gotten a fever, which turned out to be fine. I brought some books to read and comfy shoes for walking the hallways.

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

I had no 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 was releived and happy about getting my date. I did'nt feel nervous much, I was sooooo ready!

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

I was active but took it slow. Found it most difficult to vacuum for some reason, guess it was the motion of the way your body needs to move. Otherwise I did well getting used to my new tool.

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

I traveled 2 hours to have surgery. My aftercare is just fine, since I commute to the area often.

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 am a year out from surgery now but there were many changes and I am still experiencing them. Starting slowly.. learning not to drink and eat together. So many learning experiences! I still have rouble eating breads and pork mostly. Sometimes have trouble eating anything especially if I am constipated or am feeling under the weather.

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

I started off slowly... just walking and then more walking..then exercise bike, regular bike, walking my dogs and just keeping busy.

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

I take: B-complex B-12 Iron Multivit Vit D Calcium

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 had many bouts of vomiting and still do occasionally. I had hair loss, but it started filling in by the 9th or 10th month after surgery. I learned from my mistakes and just did what I had to do to get by and learn my new lifestyle.

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

guess the worst physical thing would be the vomiting. But there are definately NO regrets at all!

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

I go to Roger Williams Medical for support meetings and also belong to OH is helpful.

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

I have 5 small scars

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been at the same weight for months. After my 7th month.. its been the same for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have notice people being kinder to me. Holding doors or just saying good morning. Its actually sort of sad! Should have always been that way.