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

A friend had it done in 20066

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

Needed 6 months PCP supervised weight loss, lots of weight history. Just hang in there - sometimes it goes very slow.

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

I was very happy with the visit - explained everything that I would need to do - lots of handouts to read and directions on what was needed to get approval. The office staff was also very good with answering questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw some friends go through an amazing change - they had good experiences and were great encouragers.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Considered band at first, but had two hernias that the doctor said he could fix at the same time if I had RNY. (Hiatal and ventral hernia from old gallbladder incision)

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 didn't dwell on them - knew I could have a bad outcome if I didn't do anything about the weight.

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?

Husband was against, children mixed. Daughter in law was supportive (a nurse). Husband tried many times to talk me out of it. Just prior to surgery day, became better and after surgery, all were supportive.

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

Mixed responses from both employer and co workers, but I am a nurse and everyone knew of someone who had a good experience. I will be out of work about 3-4 weeks

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

6 dayin hospital - generally stay was positive. I took robe, nightgown, slippers, toilet articials and makeup. These were important to me, but hospital really did supply everything I needed. I didn't use the nightgown because of the drainage from my incisions.

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

Could maintain oxygen level so had to stay in PACu 30 hrs. Also had fluid in lungs and decrease kidney function. All were treated and resolved in hospital. I don't think I really thought about them, just trusted the staff and God.

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 am 2 weeks out and feel pretty good - have minimal pain in the drain area below right rib cage. Some swelling of this also. I have had very little anxiety.

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

I felt good, but the pain was surprising the first few days home. Getting up and down was a real stain on the drain area and it was still leaking for a day or so. I also was very bloated and had gained 5 lbs.

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

10 minues from my home.

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 still on full liquids as of 12/27/07

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

Low levels at this point - I have gone to the store, church and visiting, but at short intervals.

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

optisourse vitamines (chewable)

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?

None yet - no nausea or vomiting. Some difficulties with sleep a few days. After 2 weeks things are better

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

Probably the 10 month process from start to surgery day! Everyone says that once you make the decision to do the surgery, you want it now!

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

We have a hospital support group that I have been attending since 6/07.

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

4 small (1+ inch), 1 2-3 in incision on right side and 1 drain area above the incision on the right side below rib cage. I was told prior to surgery as to what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Courious about how it went and how I am doing!