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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from a co-worker that had it done. She gave me lots of info and told me about a seminar that a major hospital hosted once a month to anyone considering the procedure and I went to one and the decision was made. I did 2 yrs of research before I started the process. My initial impression of it was excitement.

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

My experience with getting insurance approval was pretty smooth, smoother than I had expected. My advice, do everything they tell you to do and follow up, don't be afraid to ask questions. Most insurance company's will help you along the way. And look on the obesity help website they have lots of information to help with the process they help me...

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

My first visit with my surgeon was wonderful!! The staff was fantastic and very supportive. To get the most out of the meeting, write down any questions or concerns you have before your visit and remember no questions is stupid. obesity help can give you some sample questions of what to ask if you are at a stand still.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What made me finally decide to have the surgery was when my family and I were going out to dinner and as always the waitress was wanting to seat us in a booth which I knew I wouldn't fit so we had to wait a little longer for a table, I was so embarrassed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the RNY because I felt it would be the best for me and will keep me in check. I know I would need something that will make me do the right thing.

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 fears about having the surgery was what would happen to my children if I died, but in the same breath if I don't have the surgery I could still die. Of course with any surgery there is a fear of complications and of dying just don't let that be in the forfront of your mind. You could die today or tomorrow in your home doing routine stuff. It's okay to have fears just don't let them rule you.

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?

My family and friends all reacted differently. The people I expected to be excited for me were not, they tried to talk me out of it, the same ones telling me I need to lose some weight, go figure. I think I communicated my plans well I just think they also had the fear of me dying. After the surgery when they started seeing the results, all I get is praise and cheers. When I go to get togethers they make sure they include things that I can eat and drink.

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

My supervisor was very supportive of my decision. Even when I got a blood clot she came to visit me in the hospital and when I returned to work she made sure I didn't do to much to help with recooperation. I told her everything and I was only out of work for 2 weeks.

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

When I attended my first seminar on weight loss surgery I was so pumped up and very glad I attended because it answered questions and concerns I had and the doctor's were very approachable and seemed like they really wanted to help.

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

My stay in the hospital was great, the staff was wonderful and caring. I was in the bariatric wing for 3 days but when I got a blood clot i had to stay in another week. The most important thing to bring is a nice warm robe, some reading material, or something you like to do, but really they provided me with everything.

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

Yes I had a complication I ended up developing a blood clot in my lung and now I am on coumadin 6mg and had a vena cava filter that has to stay in place till Jan 2011. I felt I dealt with it pretty 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?

In the weeks after I got my surgery date, I felt relieved and excited my new life was about to begin. I don't think I had any anxiety.

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

My first to weeks home from the hospital was fine, my children were wardens (smile) making sure I did what I was supposed to do. You will be tired alot and not want to eat but make sure you eat something, walk like you are supposed to, and drink, drink, drink. Try not to do to much. I have a high tolerance for pain so I didn't hurt much. I was just sore, like if you had been doing sit ups. And let people help you.

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

I had to travel about 1-1/2 - 2hrs depending on traffice one way. The only affect of the after care was not being able to attend the support group cause they held them during the week and I get off at 3 and would have to rush to get there.

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.

One of the things I couldn't eat after the surgery that I could before was eggs, it took me about 5 months before I was able to keep them down. Add Crystal Light, it tasted really sweet to me I still have to mix it with twice as much water to cut the sweet taste, and I had to buy a faucet mount water filter cause regular tap water tasted like metal to me. Since I am on coumadin I have to cut back on a lot of leafy green vegi's which I miss my salads, collards, spinach, broccoli, etc. My dietary tolerance has changed week by week by now being able to eat eggs, can't eat any thing greasy, month by month pretty much eat what I want as long as it is fat free, sugar free, low fat, etc...and pay attention to serving size can calories from fat.

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

My activity level in the days after the surgery was slow and lazy, but as the weeks went by I got stronger and stronger and now I am able to walk 40 mins 5 days a week. I can hang with my shopaholic sister now and not be sore and stiff for a week after (smile)

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

I am taking a multivitamin plus iron, calcium tablets twice a day, coumadin 6mg, and protein supplements (shakes, bars, etc) and B12 injections once a month.

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 only side effects I had in the beginning were dry heaves and some vomiting but that only occurred if I went to long without something in my pouch. It lasted for about 2 months once I got my routine on track. I coped pretty well all apart of the learnig process. Oh yeah, I have had some hair loss but since I have a short hair cute anyway only I noticed.

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

Even with the blood clot, there was not worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process, oh wait, maybe one, the doctor/hospital bills, the part that I am responsible to pay.

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

There is a support group that meets the third Thursday of each month and the obesity help website is loaded with lots of info and people having gone through the WLS. It is very helpful and important let's you know there are others out there willing to help and understand what you are going through. Try telling someone how excited you are about not having to squeeze into a movie theater seat, something that they have not ever had to deal with, they look at you like you are crazy. It is good to have someone that can relate.

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

Since my surgery was laparoscopic I have four little scars that can barely be seen. I used shea and cocoa butter. Yes, this is what I expected but what is a few scars compared to the amount of weight I have lost so far. Bump the scars!! (smile) The least of my worries.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Thank GOD so far, I have not had to deal with it yet. But I think if and when that time comes I will handle it well because I know how much I weighed when I started this journey and as long as I stay away from 387lbs I will be happy with whatever.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I have noticed people treating me differently now, especially men, it seems a lot more want to speak to me now, even the "very few" guys I dated in the past, have been calling me up but I don't do backsies, if that is a word (smile)