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

Internet of course. I found more information at a Seminar at Centennial Medical Center in nashville. They were very nice. Even though they are not doing my surgery; I did learn a lot from them and was impressed.

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

The doctor's office took care of this.I didn't have to worry about it. If you are seeing Dr. Hruska, make sure you get your sleep study, psych consult, and dietary consult done first

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

She was direct and to the point. She made sure and stated all the risks with both the lap band surgery and rny surgery. She was very informative and answered all my questions. Make to sure ask questions. She will answer them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the RNY because there is no dumping in the Lapband and I want the dumping in case I eat something i am not supposed to. It will keep me in line. Also there is longer studies on the RNY.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

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?

Yes I have fears from this surgery but I also have fears of not seeing our children grow up too. I have fears of complications but any surgery has complications. What would I tell other people having the same fears now? I would tell them keep you faith in god and leave it up to him.

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?

They were supportive and understanding. My mom doesnt totatlly understand right now as she is having some problems of her own right now. I wouldnt have done anything differently I don't think. I am a still preop so we'll see.

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

My district manager is very understanding. I hope my general manager is the same way.

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

I went in on a Wednesday morning and came home Saturday afternoon. My stay was good I think. Most of the nurses were very nice. There was two nurses that were a little cranky. Maybe they were having a bad day who knows. I really liked one of the nurses, who's name is Ester. She is super nice and would do anything to make you comfortable. I don't think anyone else could compare to her. But most of them did treat me well. The most important things I think one should bring is chapstick, slippers and your own robe. I also brought my own fan. I can't sleep without it. I brought my own soap and shampoo(which I didn't get to use).

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

no, none at all. They said I did well.

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

nervous, anxious, scared. I turned to God and left it up to him. I talked with my husband and my sister too.

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

Take things slow. I may have moved pretty good in the hospital but it is different when you are home! Pain relief is diffent, but walking helps alot. Drink your fluids and use your breathing exercise thing. Expect to be sore the first week but it will get better.

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

90miles one way, I think . My husband will drive me to my first follow up appt.

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 started on on clear liquids which included SF jello, sf popsicles, crystal lite, unsweetened tea, and broth. Then I went to Full liquids which was yougurt, SF pudding, cottage cheese, sf applesauce, runny instant potatoes. I stayed on this diet for 2 weeks, then I went to purreed diet for 4 weeks. This included scrambled eggs, purreed meat, potted meat, and all above diet. Now I am almost 3 months out and I am on regular food. I still can not eat salads yet but I can eat a little shredded lettuce. I have problem with bread especially tortillas. I can not tolerate sugar free ice cream although I can tolerate CarbSmart Ice Cream. I can't do peaches even in juice. I have problem with chicken but can have it blended or chopped really fine. I can eat it breaded or in big chunks. It has to be the size of an eraser. I can eat ground meat, tuna, or fish. I can eat about 4ounces at a time now, sometimes more. I still have problem getting fluids.

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

so, so I guess. I wish I had more energy. But I do go walking with my sister.

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

B-12,bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate, Children's multivitamin and B1

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?

nausea, not long. I coped by laying down, going back to liquids

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

taken Fleet Phospho soda preop bowel prep!

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

there is a support program with my surgeon but I have not attended

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

goes from my breastbone to right above my belly button. I wish it would lighten up.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am having some plateau I find out I am still losing. I will lose then gain, then lose some more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, compliments on how i look. I don't think they really notice me before.