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

A friend.

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

Took about 4 years; husband had to add me to his insurance, and even now, after the surgery, Aetna has refused to pay my surgeon due to some technicality.

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

Dr. Robert Marvin is great. Straightforward, professional, confident dude.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Insurane approval--I was going to get it one way or another.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had opted for the RNY before I knew about other options. It had worked well for so many of my friends and it was Dr. Marvin's preferred procedure.

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 fear was that I would chicken out--I was never afraid of dying for myself, but I did not want my husband and mother to have to go through the mourning. I would tell anyone that faith doesn't work if you don't use it. Even if I'd died from this surgery, I would have tried it again if I were somehow given another chance at being able to live freely with no barriers.

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?

Family was very supportive, but apprehensive. I think I handled everything well.

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

I have an ultra professional boss--she was very reasonable and understanding, but at the same time uninstrusive. I told her the truth. I have been out for two months, and I needed every minute of it.

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

Great. I was there one night. Comfy slippers are a must, lip chap, minimal make-up and other toiletries, robe, pillow from home, loved ones. Oh, also GasX strips.

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

No.

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 eagerly anticipated my surgery with joy, hoping nothing went wrong before I could undergo the procedure.

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

Ooooooh. Expect to puke a lot as you adjust your new tummy to your new life. Expect to lose weight quickly at first, but also expect to possibly plateau. Expect to need your loved ones more than you ever have, and expect to be very, very grateful if all goes well.

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

About 30 miles

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 still can't eat chicken in great abundance and nothing fatty or sugary. I am only two months post-op, and I have to make sure my protein levels are up, or I will faint. So I make sure there is beef jerky around or protein shakes, as chicken and other sources of protein are sometimes hard to swallow.

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

I am just as active as I ever was, but I have more energy and more vitality.

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

Liquid Calcium, prenatal vitamins, and Designer Whey

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?

The hardest thing for me is the awful fatigue I experience when my protein level plummets. I am still experiencing those episodes two months out. I usually lie down and drink a protein shake or eat beef jerky or scrambled egg. I eat slowly and pay attention to the way I consume the food and mastication.

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

Waiting for insurance approval and jumping through their hoops

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

None

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

Much neater than I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plateaus almost every other week or 10 days since my surgery two months ago

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, but I haven't gone back to work yet