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

I found out about the surgery through my aunt who had the surgery 3 years ago. She decided to go back for a revision so we went through it together.

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

The insurance I had through my employer absolutely did not cover surgery so I switched jobs so I could get better insurance. CareFirst Blue choice was so easy. I had no problemss at all. They had some requirements before they would approve it, but I followed them and 8 months later i had my surgery. (over 100 lbs overweight, health problems caused by weight, 6 month weight loss class)

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

The surgery group I went to have seminars every month for anyone thinking about surgery that are free. After the seminar there is a question and answer section so I was well informed. Also they allow you to go to their support group for people in diffrent stages of weight loss surgery so you can hear others experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health issues were getting worse and i needed to do something before i caused permenant damage

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt want to keep coming back for adjustments like with the band so i decided to have the RNY. I wanted it over and done with.

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 am a mother of three so that was a real concern. Then I thought about the quality of life with my kids I had and I knew they deserved more.

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 always going to be people that try to discourage you because of there own issues. Those that truly have your best intrest at heart will encourage you. Remember why you are doing it.

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 happy for me because it meant that i would be healthier and will be able to do my job better.

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

I loved it! It was very informative. I was glad I attended.

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

My hospital stay wasn't too bad, I had a hard time getting what I needed from the nurses. They treated me like they knew better about what I was feeling then I did. I asked for a hot damp towel to help me move some of the gas off my back and they said you just need to walk. They gas was causing pain on my spine and I could barely move. Finally I was in tears and I called home to have my fiance come and help me. WHen he came he wanted to know what was going on because I was clearly in alot of pain. The nurses then scrambled to try and assist me. at that point i told them they were not needed. my fiance took me in the bathroom and ran a hot shower. he wet the towels and placed them on my back. I immeadeately started burping for about 20 min. When I finished I felt 100% better. I didnt even need the pain meds anymore and was able to walk laps around the ward. The most important thing to bring is an advocate that is going to stand up for you and demand that you be heard.

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

I was lucky I had no complications.

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 was very anxious. I just wanted to get it over with.

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

The thing that suprised me the most is how exhausted i was for the first month after surgery. Everything I did like walking to the bathroom, showering, or getting dress wore me out.

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

I am lucky, I have a bariatric center of excellence 2 miles from my house.

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 dont tolerate sugar and carbs well. I have to eat very slowly and very small portions.

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

I had no activity level. I struggled to do everyday activities like shower, cook, and get dress without taking abreak halfway through.

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

I take 2 multi vitamins, calcium, iron, b 12, b complex, protien drinks, amd biotin 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 paid close attention to my bodies signals, so i only had a couple of instances of eating to fast and feeling very stuffed and full of gas. I find myself still tempted to finish my plate so I have to make sure my plate is the size of a tea cup saucer.

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

Being so tired afterwards for so long.

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

My aunt and I are going through this together so we rely on each other for support.

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

I have 6 tiny scars in a clock formation on my stomach. I had a hernia repair as well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only one month out so I havent had any plateaus yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel like people see me instead of looking past or through me.