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

My doctor recommened it and I went to a informational class, thought about it for a year and then became very ill and said enough was enough and went to the class a second time and did it.

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

I have a third party insurance and I just called,got the information that they needed to approve, did it and followed up once everything was done. I was approved within 2 weeks.

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

It was wonderful and he actually had a cancellation and I had already lost the weihgt I needed and had surgery I think like 10 days later.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had aspirational pnemonia and was in the hospital for 10 days. I felt like I was going to die. I also have GERD and needed surgery for this but if I chose this I probably wouldn't be able to have it due to scar tissue. So it was like everything was in my face I just needed to make the call.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor recommended it and I put full trust in them to make the correct choice.

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 didn't have any fears of dying, just of infection. I am prone to this. I let the dr. know and he took precautions. I was more afraid that I wouldn't be able to follow the program after surgery. Just talk to your Doctor and ask away, also go to a support group, they are very good at answering questions and giving support.

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 was very split. They were fearful for my safety and thought I was being a little overreactive. That if I would just stay on a diet I would be fine. Others thought I was taking the easy way out. Others were so excited for me and couldn't wait to see the old me again.

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

I actually had burned my bridges at my job with my family and myself being ill, so while I was on medical leave from my pnemonia (took me several months, asthma had come in to play) I chose not to return and stay at home and take care of myself for a change. It was the best thing I had ever done for myself. I went back to work part time at a much less stressful position about 5 months later.

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

I was there for about 4 days. The staff were very supportive and informational. Don't be afraid to ask them things or tell them you are struggling with something, they have alternatives or little tricks to help you. To bring things comfortable slippers and robe to do your walking. A good book to read and phone numbers because everyone wants to know how your doing.

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

The only problem I had was I still had acid reflux so I stayed an extra day. Pain was nothing intolerble and I was just put back on my meds.

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

Because my was so quick I didn't have to many. Other than I really wanted to go to all my favorite restraunts to pig out and couldn't because of the time frame. It was a good thing.

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

The liquid diet was the worst to get thru. I am not one who likes to eat the same things over and over again so it was very difficult to find things. Before I knew it I was on to the next stage. Pain was very minimal, I didn't even take a pain med or a tylenol after getting home. Walk, Walk, Walk, and Walk.

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

Only about 20 miles.

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 have only two foods that I cannot eat, choclate and ice cream. I have not dumped, thown up, or anything. I don't eat allot of dairy and am actually was hoping I would have a little more behavior management but it is working ok. The biggest advice is follow the program. I stayed on task like a bible. I beleive this is why I have done so well.

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

I walked allot. I started having some Hip pain and it really interfered with my exercise. I spoke with the dr. and they put me if physical therapy and it helped allot, I was loosing weight so fast that I was also loosing muscle. I also did water areobics and that was wonderful.My energy increased as the weight came off.

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

Every day I take 3 viactive, 2 childrens chewable vitamin, one b12 under the tounge.

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 effect I am having is I have gas all the time, and still some reflux. I am seeing the P.A. at the clinic to try to figure it out now.

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

preparing for it and the not knowing when if it was going to be approved.

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

I have gone to the Support group at Unity and I get emails that I read that help give me little tid bits of info that help allot.

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

It is bigger than expected and still raised and red but they say it will go down. I don't care about the scar the weight was worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not really had any major plateau. I have been loosing pretty consistant and now what I am doing is I will dump 4-5 pounds, stay the same or even gain a couple then all of a sudden dump a couple more pounds. Kinda crazy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband babysits me. He watches what I eat and how much. It gets frustrating some times but I know he is just proud of me and likes the new me and doesn't want me to screw it up again like the I did with the diets.