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

I found out by doing research via the internet and speaking with my primary care physician. My first impression was that I was extremely afraid to have the surgery because of the amount of risks, but I was too fed up with the way I was and just felt the need to do it.

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

My approval was quite easy. My insurance company didn't require a 6 month diet condition and because I had several co-morbities, I had no problem at all with approval.

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

My first visit was great. I was so motivated to have the surgery after meeting with Dr. Rosen and his staff. During his first visit, the visit is typically 4 hours long, but he dives right in and gets started with getting you ready to have surgery, and I liked that. This meeting will be the one that pretty much decides whether or not you will have the surgery, because if you can't handle what you are going to learn in the meeting, then you definitely can't handle having the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being so overweight and also my health constantly deteriorating.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I orginally chose lap-band, but after much reading on this website and doing other research, along with discussing it with my surgeon, I felt that I would benefit more from having the RNY.

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 had several fears and to be quite honest, I was pretty darn scared, but I TRUST GOD! and once again, he didn't fail me. You are going to have your fears because it is such a serious surgery, but if you follow exactly what your surgeon and his teams says, you should be just fine.

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 was very and still are very supportive of my decision. I told everyone because I believe in the power of prayer. Because the surgery was so serious, I wanted everyone to be praying for me to have a successful surgery and a speedy and successful recovery. I love all of my family and friends for being there and constantly being 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?

Currently not employed so this worked well for me.

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

My stay was good. The beds were the most uncomfortable. This may be because of the surgery, but it was ok. I was in the hospital for a total of 3 days. The most important thing to bring is some slippers, deodorant, chap stick and a great and positive attitude. I didn't bring a gown or anything like that because you don't need it.

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

No, PRAISE 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 has very happy that they approved me and I was excited to have the surgery. During the 14 day liquid diet, that was challengin, but I didn't start to feel a little scared until a couple of days before surgery, and I believe that everyone probably feels that way.

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

I have been home 11 days and I can truly say that each day gets better. The key is to constantly walk, which helps with your recovery and also helps to alleviate blot clots, I personally didn't prepare well for my recovery. I was kind of out of it for a couple of days because your stomach is extremely sore and you have a lot of gas and swelling, so recovery for me was a little challenging.

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

The hospital where I had surgery was about 1 hour drive away from me. So far, because my surgeon has an office by me, the aftercare is going great.

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 can't tolerate eggs cooked any type of way. It is something about eggs that doesn't agree with my stomach.

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

Days after surgery, all I could do was to walk slowly in the house. I made a homemade track between my living room and my dining room. As time progressed, I had a terrible spasm on my left side that lasted about 3 weeks, which meant I couldn't exercise during that time because I could barely walk. I am exercsing now, but I am nearly 3 months post op.

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

I take a chewable Centrum multi vitamin daily. I also take a liquid B-complex from Puritans Pride. I also take a Caltrate chewable before lunch and before dinner daily.

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 am starting to have thinning hair in the top and it is starting to come out. My hair was already short by choice, however, I am now wearing a hair weave until my hair grows back.

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

For me, was the 2 week recovery period. I was in so much pain that I could not lay down and I had severe swelling in my legs and ankles. I wasn't anticipating this at all. I also had very bad gas for about 1 month after surgery.

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

I am currently not in a support group. I personally can't afford the $250 now because currently I am unemployed. My only support is what I receive off of ObesityHelp.com which is WONDERFUL!

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

My scars are very minimal. From about the 3rd week, I began putting vitamin E oil and vitamin E mositurizing cream on my scars. Prior to that, I put Nexcare antiobiotic bandages on them for a week which helped a lot, then I began with the vitamin E regimen. I am now using Mederma which is working great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on a plateau right now and this is my 2nd one. They tend to last about a week to two weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I do have people constantly giving me compliments which I love. The compliments are like extra re-assurance to me that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing by losing the weight.