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

I found out about bariatric surgery from one of the stars on T.V. then I researched it on the internet. I was very scared at first, but since I am a nurse, I decided it was for me.

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 have any problems getting my insurance company to approve me. My advice is to get all your ducks in a role! First, get letters of recommendation from any and all doctors you are seeing for specific medical problems. Secondly, get documentation of all weight loss attempts and results. Then give it to the bariatric surgeon you have picked out and ask them to send it with your pre-authorization forms.

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

I instantly took a liking to my surgeon. My first visit was more of a question / answer type of meeting. I wrote down all the questions at home so I wouldn't forget something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being fat!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked into all the procedures and I wanted the Roux-en-y by-pass because it was the most sucessful at permanent weight loss. I wanted to make permanent changes in my life.

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 figured if it is my time, then so be it! I left it in GODS hands.

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 husband was a little scared for me. But we both discussed it and I decided to go with it. My friends were very supportive, if that is what I wanted and decided.

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

I explained I was going to have surgery and what kind. They were very supportive. I took FMLA leave for 2 months. That ensured I would have a job when I was well.

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

I didn't like the hospital I stayed in. I was there 3 days and I was ready to go home. The bed was very uncomfortable and the nurses were not very professional. I think the most important thing to bring is a robe for when you are walking after surgery and your own gown if you prefer it. I just wore theirs and used their socks.

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

Yes, I ended up with a staph infection in my central line. I took antibiotics for two weeks orally when I went home.

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 ask my doctor to prescribe xanax for the anticipating surgery date and that helped with the anxiety.

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

It was pretty difficult. The hospital bed had rails on the side and at home you do not have them. I was very uncomfortable in bed getting up and down. I had my husband move the best recliner we have upstairs and I spent most of my time in that. I also used a home medics massager for my sore back muscles and that seemed to give me some relief. Learning what to eat and measuring was very hard for me at first too. But let me tell you all something. It was well worth it. I feel so much heathier and better now after losing 90lbs in the first 5 months.

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

I traveled approximately 45 miles and it isn't that big of an ordeal for after care.

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.

It was difficult at first. I could eat sugarfree pudding, sugarfree popsicles and eggs, cottage cheese. I could not eat fast food, lunch meat, bread,. I can eat some fast food now and salads and just about anything heathy and some food that isn't. I still cannot tolerate sugar, like cereals, lots of carbohydrates etc.

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

at first I was very tired and now I am hiking, walking and backpacking and I donot get that tired. I have learned to eat luna bars, High protein bars and drink lots of water. 2-3 liters a day and more if I hike.

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

junior vitamins, sublingual vit. b 12, calcium called viativ, cause I couldn't take the pills. It is also like getting a chocolate fix.

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 still get the dumping and it is probably the worst. Sugar causes it. I still vomit sometimes when I eat too fast.

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

getting over the surgery the first week.

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

I did'nt. There was not any support groups here in Pueblo. I could have used one but I didn't want to drive to CO. Spgs.

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

It is still healing. I am only 5 months post-op. I am also one of the unlucky ones. I formed keyloid tissue. It is starting to get lighter though. I use cocoa butter lotion with aloe vera mixed and it really works to get rid of the scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't experienced any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! It is really strange how people treat you so differently. I really never knew just how obesity really affects how others feel about you.