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

My primary care physician and endocrinologist both suggested that I look into it years ago. I really wanted nothing to do with it.

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

It was a breeze. I went to a seminar and 4 months later I was on the operating table.

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

I felt my surgeon was a bit standoffish at first. By the second visit, I found him to be very knowledgeable and supportive. I have come to really appreciate him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It really was the speed with which everything happened.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My PCP recommended the sleeve procedure and at my first visit with the surgeon, he indicated that RNY would provide the best results for me. When he explained why, I agreed.

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 have no fears about complications.

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?

There are two major family member that I had concern about. One was totall in favor of what I was doing and the other was and is not. My husband (in favor) was very, very supportive and still is to this day.

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

My employer was great. I am relatively new with this employer and I did not have quite enough sick time to allow for the whole thing. They actually advanced sick time to me for my recovery. I was sure to tell them everything up front. I actually missed 11 work days.

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

My first seminar was very informative. As it turned out, my surgeon was the one that led the meeting. One of the patients from the COMP center was there and I was very impressed with his results. I am very glad I attended. After all, I would not have gone through with it had I not gone.

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

My hospital stay was fantastic. There is a dedicated unit for WLS patients. All rooms are private so there were no roomated to deal with. The nursing staff became my second family and were very skilled in treating bariatric patients as that is all they handle. I was in the hospital 6 days counting my surgery day and my release day. This is a bit longer than usual as I developed pneumonia and they kept me.

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

The pneumonia was treated with antibiotics and breathing exercises. I also had a leak from one of my incisions. It was a watery type liquid and there was a lot of it. My surgeon did put two stitches in it and it didn't hold. A trip to the emergency room resulted in having a collection bag attached. I had to drain it every few hours but it was easy to take care of.

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 really did not have any anxiety. Support from my husband and Church family helped with that. I do know I was impatient. I wanted it to be done.

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

My time was great. I had no digestive problems and remained active during that time. There really was no pain at all associated with the surgery.

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

My surgeon and hospital were less than 25 miles from my home and there have been no problems related to this.

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.

At this point, there is nothing that I've tried that I cannot eat. I was cautious to follow the diet schedule provided by my doctor (clear liquids, full liquids, puree, soft foods and solid foods.) I have stayed away from carbohydrates and increased my protein intake.

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

My activity actually increased after the surgery. I have found it much easier to breath while being active.

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

Increase amounts of multi vitamins, calcium, protein and while Iron has been prescribed, I have not been taking it.

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?

Praise the Lord, I have had no side effects. If it were not that my portions are smaller, I would not believe I even had the surgery.

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

I don't know that there has been a worst part. I've had a pretty much positive experience overall.

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

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend my first support group meeting. I feel it will be important when I get to one.

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

I have 5 small incisions. All are less than 1" in length. I did have the 'glue' on one of them break but all have now healed nicely. While I do believe there will be permanent scars, the will not be bad. They are actually less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently on a plateau. Of course I'm not happy but I know increased exercise will help.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. At first, they were very helpful because they felt I was limited activity-wise.