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

I know people who have had it done with great success and decided that surgery is what I needed to do.

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

I had NO PROBLEM!! I have Family Health Plus. When I left the DR on a monday they said they would put the papars in to the insurance and the dr office called me that friday with approval and surgery date. I couldn't believe how quick and easy that part actually was

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

Great. He explained everything, I am an LPN so it helped alot with knowing what to do and expect

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

the constant pain i am in

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the open RNY. The only other dr in the area that does it lap has a good year waiting list. My first visit for the open was 6/17 and my surgery was 9/1

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?

The usual fears, but being a nurse and having that added education helps alot because i know what to do and expect and there is no reason to be unsuccessful

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?

Most were supportive. My boyfriends only issue was the fact that my chest was going to shrink :) but overall they understood my constant battle

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

My job was threatened right from the get go and ultimately I was fired. They used budget cuts as a reason. BULL!! They have hired 2 more LPN's since I have been gone. I am currently job hunting and know I will not have a problem finding work. Nursing jobs are everywhere!!

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

I was in for 3 days. Just bring basic toilettries. Between the tubes and drains a shower isn't as easy as you hope. The nurses were great.

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

Not at this point I haven't

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 am 3 wks right now post op For the most part I feel good. A little tired. No real problems.

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

The first day home I sat on the couch and wasn't sure I would be able to get up, :) Big difference from the hospital bed to the couch. Just take it easy, dont overdo it. If someone can vaccuum for you let them!!

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

1 hour. Since i was unemployed and no disability yet i was unable to make my first appt with the nutritionist. I had a lot of questions that I couldn't get answered.

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.

again, i am only 3 wks out. skim milk is good, 1 % wasn't. i am on full liquids and some soft foods and so far tolerating well. I have stayed away from anything acidy, spicy. I have kept it bland. The hardest thing is getting enough fluid. I was constipated for a couple of days but I wasn't drinking hardly anything and eating nothing. you have to remind yourself and force yourself

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

I probably did too much if my dr. had his way. 2 days home i was doing laundry and dishes, basic house work. Bending is still difficult, my belly is a little tender

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

i have been taking flinstones complete, 2x day

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?

Nothing yet, too soon to tell

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

going home with a drain and staple, they suck!! I couldn't lie down and sleep for a week, the couch became my new best friend for sleeping. Overall I didn't sleep well until they came out. So I was rather grouchy d/t lack of sleep and comfort

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

I have been online with people

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

its not nearly as bad as i thought it would be. I tend to have keloid scars so i thought it would be hideous, its light and flat. healed quick

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

nothing yet, to soon to tell

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet