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

I dont remember when I first heard of it but I thought it was a miracle that there was finally a way to lose weight that was successful for the most part.

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

I had no problem. All my insuracne company required was to see a dietician for 6 months prior to aproving me for surgery. After that I was approved. I dont know if the Dr.'s office had a rough time, but they did all the work. I didnt make 1 call.

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

He was very clear and explained to me that even though I was looking to get a Lap Band that since I had to lose more than 100lbs that I was not a good candidate for that. He explained to me why and then explained why he thought that I would benefit from the Gastic Bypass. Do not be afraid to ask any question, there are no stupid questions. That's what you are paying them for...

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was told I was borderline diabetic, my back ached and burned from a short walk or standing for a short time, and my right knee felt like it was goning to pop everytime I walk up and down the stairs. I couldnt do the simple things, like painting my toes, crossing my legs or going to Six flags. I didnt want to feel like this any longer, after all I'm only 37.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Dr. told me that I was not a good candidate for Lap Band so I had to do the Gastric Bypass in order to get the best results.

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 was not as fearful as maybe I should have been. From the time I decided to get the surgery I had very good feelings about it and the success I would have. I did think about what could happen but I didnt dwell on it. I dont really remember much about that day. I remember going into the prep area, and then I went to sleep and when I woke up it was over. The rest of the day I slept so that day was pretty much a blur.

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?

Everyone was very happy for me, but my sister and one of my best friends were apprehensive, but still supportive. They worried more than I did about what could happen. I just tried to reassure them that I had done my research and my surgeon was the chief surgeon and specialized in weight loss surgeries. They are very supportive still.

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

I told them I was going for the surgery and they too were happy for me. We have a fairly laid back office environment so we are pretty close. Everyone was so excited to see me when I returned after being out for 6 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was very informative, I highly recommend it. If you can go to more than one, do it. You get more and more info everytime you attend one. The same goes for support groups. You would be surprised at how many others are goig thru exactly what you are, and you can get good tips and the support from people who know exactly what you mean becasue they are going thru it or have gone thru it.

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

It was good, the nurses at Miriam Hospital in Rhode Island were awesome!! I was in the hospital for about 3 days including the surgery day. I really didnt need to bring anything. I wore the same PJ's and slippers to and from the hospital. They make you change into a gown when you get to the hospital so the clothes are still clean when you leave. Some may want a book or an Ipod or something but other than that they provide everything.

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

Thankfully, 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 super excited!!! All the way up until the time I got into the prep area in the OR, I kept thinking they were going to tell me that a test came back wrong and they were going to have to postpone or cancel the surgery. Once it was over I breathed a sigh of relief that I made it and that I could start the journey.

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

The 2 days after I got home I was very sore. I think it was becasue I used the automatic bed to help me get up and out of bed, but at home I had to use my stomach muscles more and I was very sore from that. After a couple days I felt better, still sore but manageable. The meds (hydrocodone) worked but an hour before I was due for another dose I would get feel the soreness coming back. I had to sleep almost upright becasue it felt like I was "squishing" my new stomache. Thats where all of my soreness was also. I couldnt sit at the computer, becasue I would get the same feeling. I spent most of the 1st 2 weeks in my recline. I felt like I needed to be stretched out all the time. It was a weird feeling. Eating was a challenge. I only had a protein shake about 5 times then I couldnt tolerate it and I stopped drinkning them. I didnt see any side affects but I was told that you can lose your hair becasue of lack of protein. I used Dixie bathroom cups for a dish. I didnt even fill it. I ate about 2 teaspoons of food for the 1st 2 weeks. I ate a ton of baby food, but not the veggies...yuck! I ate oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, refried beans an anything else that was mushy...

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

I was only about 15 mins from home so the distance did not affect me.

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.

Eating what was expected was a challenge. I could not bring myself to take the liquid Iron and I was told there was a chewable pill that tasted like Sweet-Tarts. I still havent found them but I take it in pill for now. I only had a protein shake about 5 times then I couldnt tolerate it and I stopped drinking them. I didnt "see" or feel any side affects but I was told that you can lose your hair due to lack of protein. Now I eat protein bars and drink Boost with protein, and try to eat eggs or other foods with protein. I used Dixie bathroom cups for a dish when I ate other food besides baby food since it came in its own dish, which was 2 meals for me. I didnt even fill the Dixie cup. I ate about 2 teaspoons of food for the 1st 2 weeks. I ate a ton of baby food, but not the veggies...yuck! I ate oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, refried beans an anything else that was mushy...Gradually I was able to eat 3 teaspoons then 4. I still only eat about 5 ounces at a time. This is gross but I feel I should still share. I only vomited 3 times so far and I am in week 9 as of today. I know it was because I took that "extra bite." You do not want to do this. Take a bite, chew well, let it go down, see how you feel, then if you dont feel full take another bite. First of all it hurts because it feels like its stuck, then your body wants to get it out. I would try to concentrate on making it stay down but your body's own reflexes sometimes make you vomit. My vomitting was very mild though. I just got the piece that felt stuck, up and I was fine. I didnt continue to vomit or wretch. And if I didnt vomit then I was in pain for about 15-20 minutes while it went down and settled. Once I was on solids I went to tuna and chicken salad. I like the chef-boy-r-dee pasta bowls because they are a good size too. And they are solid but still pretty soft. I pretty much eat what I want because I still only eat so little. If I go to a restaurant I always take 90% of it home. It lasts me for 3 - 4 meals. For snack I eat fruit cups, Jello and pudding cups. Crackers and baby bell, laughing cow cheese or string cheese. The are just enough before you get too full. As far as drinking I have a medium ice decaf with skim milk and slenda in the morning on weekdays and it lasts all day, at home I only drink crystal light.

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

My activity level increased. I simply had more energy. Im sure it was a combination of the weight loss plus all the vitamins I am taking that Im sure my body was lacking before.

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

I take (2) childrens chewables (generic/store brand). I take (3) 500 mg of Calcium + Vitamin D (Viactive chocolate chews). I take (1) Iron pill. I take B-12 once a week (sublingually/disolves under the tongue in 30 seconds). I take (1) Pepcid (store brand) for prevention of an ulcer. I take (2) Actigall for the prevention of gall stones because I still have my gall bladder. Both have to be taken for 6 months following surgery. Ant meds or vitamins that I have to take more than one I have to take at separate times of the day so that my body can absord the proper amount, if they were taken all together some would be wasted/not absorbed.

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 stated before I only vomitted about 3 times in 9 weeks so far, so that wasnt bad. I havent experienced any hair loss, yet. I had a mild case of dumping and a severe one. I was having a bowel movement and everyhting was ok then all of a sudden a strong pain came across my lower stomach and I began to sweat, then I was very weak, then my ears became blocked. I felt like I was going to pass out. It lasted about 15 mins until I was able to pass what was trying to make its way out. It was like my body was rejecting it but the pain was so intense and I was so weak I couldnt get the strength up to help it out. But then as soon as it passed, I was fine. dumping is not only an odd thing, but it was very painful and I hope it doesnt happen again.

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

The dumping has been the worst for me, I mean the pain after was pretty intense but that is to be expected from any surgery.

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

I have my friends and family for support. I want to go to a support group to see what its all about but I still havent gone.

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

My surgery was laproscopic, so I have 5 scars under 1 inch long. My scars are very mininal and will probably fade more with time. They are not an issue for me. I'll take a few scars over being unhealthy and obese any day...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently on a plateau, I have been at -52lbs for about a week and a half. I have added walking to my rourine but still the scale hasnt moved. Im being very patient and letting my body adjust as it needs to. I will not get discouraged even if this is all I lose. I just want to stay healthy. I have no regrets!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really, I mean they ask how much I've lost but as far as treating me differently now that I have lost weight, I dont feel that.