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

My sister knew someone who had it and was very successful. At the time I did not think I had the courage to go thru with it. Thank God I now do. One must be ready for this commitment.

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 BC PPO of Pennsylvania was so great. I was approved in 1 week. Make sure you have a written documentation of a 6 month diet of what you ate, how you exercised and your weight. I thought my insurance company would except my PCP's records but the secretary at the Surgeon's office said I should have this in my own writing. I am glad I did because so many people that have been denied did NOT have this personal documentation. And save ALL paperwork involving your surgery.

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

My first vist with the Surgeon was great. Dr. Juarez/Phoeniz, Arizona put me at ease as soon as he walked in the door. I was very impressed with him. I would suggest that you have questions written down to ask your surgeon. Remember, no question is stupid only those questions not asked are.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health reasons and to live a long healthy life with my husband who I just adore. After re locating to a new state I realized this is a new beginning for me and I want to enjoy life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed it with my surgeon, Dr. Juarez and I knew I did not want a lap band with the possibility of it slipping and having to go thru endoscopies when there was a problem

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?

My only fear was not seeing my family again yet it stayed in the back of my mind. I only thought I had before going to surgery was "this is going to be a wonderful new beginning for me:

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 have been behind me 110%. I am very lucky to have such a support system. I was proud to tell many coworkers that I was having this surgery because this took a lot of courage on my part to make this decision and maybe I will be able to help others if and when they know someone who had this surgery.

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

I went to my supervisor a few days after I made my decision to have this surgery and asked if she would support me in my decision. Right away, she said yes. I had to wait 1 year to have it because of short term disability and me being fairly new at my job.

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

My hospital stay at St. Lukes Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona was more than I expected. I was treated with dignity of everyone. I did have one small problem with a nurse Selina when I asked her when Meals were so that I could stop drinking my water 30 minutes before. She answered me with "your a big girl and should know when you need to stop drinking, that is why you took classes" I explained in a sort of curt way that how can I know when to stop drinking if I don't know when the hospital plans on delivering my meals" She thought about it for a minute and then realized I was right but never apologized to to. I was there for 3 days. I had the most incredible nurses such as Gracie and a nurses aide named Theresa. I would not worry about wearing your own pj's and being a women I would suggest a pair of tongs or wooden spoon to wrap toilet paper around to wipe yourself with. The next day I was afternoon I was fine doing it myself.

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

No, I had no complications thank God! I only had a problem 3 weeks post op and had to have an endoscopy to correct a stricture and then again at 4 weeks. After that all has been great

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first couple of weeks I just felt a bit tired but excited of the future. It was only difficult when at 1 month I was at a family gathering and it was difficult to smell the wonderful foods around me but with the help of my family I was able to cope and they were all very understanding. At one time when the smells were getting to me I just went for a short walk to calm myself and remind me why I went thru this surgery in the first place.

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

The most difficult part I found was to assure my husband that it was okay to eat in front of me. I found that I was tired alot but had to make the effort to take a walk each night. Then I found myself looking forward to those walks.

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

I traveled about 1 hour into Phoenix which was not too bad. My only problem was that when I had an emergency (stricture) I had to go there for care. I was too nervous to let a local hospital that was not familar with gastric bypass to take care of 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.

I found I had problems with eating pasta and rice. It would get stuck in and I would have severe pain and would have to lay in a fetal position until it passed. I now stay away from those two food groups. Each week after surgery though I have been able to introduce new foods to my system and I have been fortunate that I have no major problems.

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

my activity level was on the slow side at first after surgery but once I got the okay from the Surgeon I was back to my water aerobics 2 times a week and I have found that I have so much energy now I just want to walk and walk like never before.

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

I take calicum and 2 chewable multivitamins a day plus once a week I take b12.

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 dumping syndrome only once but if I eat something that is not agreeable to me I will become nauseated and get a chest pain type pressure. I cope with these problems which do not occur often by just resting.

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

Having the strictures.

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

I use the internet for a support group but I have become close to someone who had rny surgery 1 week after me. We talk often which helps knowing I have someone close to me who understands my anxieties, feelings, etc.

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

My scars are small and hardly visable which I am amazed at since I do not heal well when it comes to scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced many plateau's especially when I was sick in the hospital with my Asthma, the flu and during the times with my strictures.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Only that I get a lot more smiles and compliments which boost my self confidence.