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

I heard about it with the Carnie Wilson thing, but then about a year ago I attended a lap-band seminar. My insurance, as it turns out doesn't pay for it, but it got me thinking about the surgery they do pay for--RNY. I wanted it. Bad.

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

I didn't get denied, but the insurance company wanted more info. I was lucky enough to get it from WW. Advice? Start now, and be patient. Be polite, but firm with people who want to delay your process (I had to sit in my PCP's office to get her to sit down and write my letter--and I gave her the format!). Get everything in writing, and get everything regarding your health before you submit. Love your insurance coordinator at the surgeons office--she's working for you, be nice. Be patient. Did I say that already? Well, it's the most important one in my book!

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

It was short, but he was very open to listening to me. I went armed with a raft of questions, many of which were answered in the pre-appointment mini-seminar with the clinic staff. I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget them, and I wrote the answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Basically.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first, I decided on RNY because that's all that my insurance would pay for, but ultimately, after doing months of research, I realized that at my weight, the lap-band wasn't going to work for me like my expectations.

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?

As an RN I do think about this stuff. But, you just can't get wrapped up in the negatives. I'm an optimist, and I chose a surgeon and hospital with care--based on clinical outcomes.

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?

Everyone has been great. My husband is supportive, but scared of losing me. He will listen to me gab on about the surgery, but really doesn't want to have a discussion with me about it.

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

Wonderful. My boss and co-workers are my biggest supporters.

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

Excellent, even though I had complications. Everyone was wonderful and very responsive to my needs.

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

Yes. I had a small bowel obstruction secondary to a large amount of swelling at the distal anastomosis. It lasted 4 days, was excruciating, and I vomited constantly. I didn't deal well with it, because they couldn't give me my bipolar meds. Mania, pain, and throwing up suck.

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

Wanted to hurry up and start my new life. No anxiety at all.

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

I was tired. Really tired. I went back to work at 3 weeks out, and then worked 15 days straight preparing for a state re-survey. I wouldn't recommend THAT, but I managed well.

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

I don't go to a support group. I live at least an hour away from any of them, and the one that is close meets on a weekday during the day. WTF?

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

Scars plural. I had laparascopic. I always scar badly, with keloids. They eventually flatten, but seldom fade. *shrugs* Doesn't really bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet. :)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People seem to be friendlier.