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

I started a new job and my boss was taking a leave of absence to have the surgery. My first impression? "Heck Yeah!!!!"

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

My insurance company was great!! I called about three weeks after my doctor sent in my info. The insurance company said they had never received my paperwork and to please have it resent. So of course I was expecting major problems. I called my doctor the next day, they resent everything. I called my insurance 3 days later, yes only 3 days, to make sure they got it, and they already had an approval for me!! Outstanding!

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

I really liked my surgeon, she was great. Take a list of questions with you and make sure you have any required testing done already. My mind went blank as soon as she walked into the room. Take someone with you to help ask pertinent questions and to listen to the answers (I immediately blanked on everything she said, just too excited that I was there). Take notes and ask anything you want to know about, this is your life and you need to be informed. Don't be scared to ask "dumb" questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

LOL Finally decide? As soon as I heard of it my mind was made up, nothing could talk me out of it!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only performs the open RNY, and she is the only surgeon that takes my insurance that was not booked for two years. I originally wanted lap banding, but I had to take what I could get. For me it was more important to have wls, no matter what type, than wait for something different while my health deteriorated.

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?

As soon as I was approved I started worrying about dying. Not for myself but for my 2yr old son and my wonderful husband. I don't want to leave them. As my surgery date approaches (1 week, 6 days) I find myself calm and settled. I know that God will watch over me, and do what He needs. I would tell anyone else having these fears to do what they feel is right for THEM, and only them. I understand what they are going through, and hopefully in a few weeks I can also tell them this was the best decision of my life.

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 husband has been 100% supportive. The rest of my family has expressed concern, and of course the old "Why don't you just exercise and diet?" line. But, as soon as I got a date, they all made a complete turn-around, being as supportive as I could want. When it came down to it, when it came time to need the support, they were there for me.

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 currently employed, but I was when I started this journey. My supervisor thought it was a great idea.

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

My hospital stay was very pleasant. I was in for five days. My doctor was ready to discharge me on day four, but I wasn't feeling well and I really needed the extra day. Definitely bring a fan. My floor had an extra, so mine stayed in the car, but I really needed that. Other than that I can't really think of anything. Most females do start their periods while in the hospital, as did I, so bring some provisions for that.

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

So far (3 weeks) not really. I had some problems the night of surgery, but that stemmed from my doctor not ordering my blood pressure/heart rate meds. I developed an infection in my arm after the IV was removed, which happens to me every time I have one. It was really painful and needed a week of antibiotics, which also gave me thrush.

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 tried not to think about it. After I got the surgery date is when I started grappling with the life-or-death of surgery and if I really wanted to do it. I knew I wanted it, just kinda got cold feet. I stayed on the computer on my support website constantly, getting more info and support from peers going through the same thing. Any time I started to feel to overwhelmed and wanting to back out, I just made myself forget. My wait between the surgery and actually getting the date was only 3 weeks so I was able to get through that without too much trouble.

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

I had zero pain after the first 2 nights at home. I was and still am stiff from not being able to roll around the bed, but I'm doing ok. I cried a lot the first 2 weeks. I'm not sure why, but it felt hormonal to me. I really have no energy and I don't feel like doing much (3 weeks out), but it is getting better day by day.

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

I traveled about 150 miles. It didn't affect my aftercare until the last couple of days. I think I may have a hernia and it hurts, but I haven't called my doc because even if she wants me to come in, I won't be able to go. I don't feel like driving that far by myself yet, and my hubby can't take a day off. It is still worth it!!

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 at 6 months now, and there have not been any changes in what I can't eat since immediately post-op. The only thing I have noticed a problem with is vegetables, greasy/fried foods, and spicy foods. I can even tolerate one small piece of fruit at a time. I have not had any encounters with "dumping", because I avoid sugar at all costs.

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

ICK. For about 4 months I felt tired and worn-out all the time. I felt better than I did before surgery, but I needed a little more sleep at night than most people. During those first 4 months, I was feeling great, with more energy than before surgery. But now, I feel phenomenal!

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

I take 3 children's complete chewable vitamins every day. I also take one sublingual B-12 every day. I am supposed to be taking protein supplements, but I haven't. I seem to be able to eat a little more than other people at my stage, and I really take that opportunity to bulk up on my intake of regular protein.

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?

So far at 6 months I haven't had any noticable physical problems. I do have some mental problems when I go out to eat, or have to eat at work. At work I pour unsweet tea down my throat constantly so that I won't get hungry, and if I do get hungry and have to eat, I will eat about 2 small bites of a roll. I know I am not supposed to eat bread, but that is the one thing I know will not make me sick. I do NOT want to get sick at work. As for eating out, I still feel like I have to order the biggest thing on the menu. Which of course will then feed me for a week. That's not a real problem, my hubby and son love to steal my leftovers.

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

The worst part for me was dealing with my family's worry for me. I felt guilty to be putting them through the stress of having to see their wife/mother/daughter/grandchild go through major surgery. That was the only thing that was an obstacle for me. At this point, I can't even remember having any pain. I know it was there, but the only thing I can remember distinctly is the drain being removed from my stomach. That was horrible, but such a small point in time and so insignificant in the whole big picture.

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

I go to a local support group. We have about 60 members, which is very impressive considering the small size of this town. I haven't been able to go in several months due to work, school, etc. Just knowing that my friends are there if I need them is support enough. I hope to go back soon.

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

It is not as bad as I expected. It is barely noticable after 6 months. I am really happy with my scar. I like having it there to remind my of what I have been through, the battles I have won. It is my second greatest battle scar, only behind my c-section.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any major plateaus that anyone but I can notice. Of course I weighed myself 6 times a day lol. I believe any plateaus I had were half imagined. Every time I went to the doctor, I had lost plenty of weight. As soon as I got near the 100lb mark, I slowed down dramatically. I lost 95 lbs in 5 months and it took me almost a month to lose that last 5lbs. As soon as I passed that 100lb mark, my weight loss increased again to about 5lbs per week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My friends and family constantly tell me how well I have done, but that is positive either way. Guys look at me all the time now, which has NOT gotten annoying to anyone but my husband. The people who didn't know me before don't seem to treat me any differently than strangers did when I was so heavy.