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

I heard of a gospel singer who had it, and almost died from complications. My initial reaction was,,its the easy way out.

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

Once I knew what my insurance required, I worked to get all thepaperwork in place. I contacted my doctors for records andmade double copies of everything. I documented every diet and weightlossa ttempt I could remember, howmuch weight I lost and regained on eachone. Once I had it all, I sent it to my surgeon who submitted everything. O was approved in 6 hours. My advice,,do your homework, dont expect the surgeon to do it all.

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

My first meeting was very informative. Take a list of questions and get your answers. Before you go though, research research research. Look on the internet, go to the library. Be informed when you go.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was dying from the obesity. I had several co morbidities, and no diet worked for me. I was desparate.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked at length about the pros and cons of every procedure with my surgeon. I wanted the most success,,,so I chose the RNY.

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 was afraid of dying, yes, but I figured I was dying anyway. I was suffering congestive heart failure, borderline diabetes. high blood pressure, edema, joint pain, depression,,,I didnt have a life anyway. I felt it was worth the risk, and it has been. I never had one single complication.

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 freinds were all very supportive. they knew how sick and miserable I was, so they were excited for me. My husband was concerned about the risk, but was anxious to see me healthy andhappy. Now, everyone is so proud of me, and happy forme. I am healthy and loveinglife.

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

My employer was excited, and amazed that I returned to work in 2 weeks. I told them in detail, they had seen me suffer for years, so were supportive.

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

My hospital stay was three days, due to the fact my sugar spiked the first couple of days. Themost important things were slippers, a robe, chapstick, a fan, normal daily routine toiletries.

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

Absolutely none.

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 was so anxious,,counting the days. I was excited and a little concerned, but the excitement far outweighed the worry.

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

I was weak and tired, slept a lot the first week. I had no appetite, had to remind myself to eat and drink. I had trouble getting all the water in, but that takes time. I had no pain to speak of, and very little energy.

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

About 30 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 couldnt eat eggs for a year after surgery. Still cannot tolerate lettuce. The first weeks I lived on cream soups, pintoes and cheese from taco bell,,sugar free popsicles and puddings, and protein shakes. I drank and still do, a lot of crystal lite,,and water flavorings from walmart. Some days I cant eat something, then try it again a few days later, and can. I was craving cottage cheese, ate it every day for weeks, now can hardly tolerate it, a little makes me sick.

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

The first week I slept a lot, the second week I went back to work, but was very tired when I got home, Every day got better though.

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

I take b12 sublingual once a week, 2 chewable childrens vitamins daily, 2 citrical ches a day, B1, B6, iron

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 worst side effect for me, is the foamies,,where my stomach fills with foamy like mucous. It happens when I go to long between meals,,or eat too fast, Then it comes up and I hafta wait a couple hours before I try again. Ionly dump once in awhile, when I eat too much sugar or sugar alcoholks. I get the shakes, sweat, rapid heartbeat, stomach cramps, headache, and very sleepy. Can last for hours. I dont do this often though.

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

The worst part, was the mental issue. The shock of seeing someone in the mirror that I dont know, have never seen before, and not sure I like. Learning how to think like a thin person is not as easy as we would think. Its a struggle everyday.This all came as a shock to me, I thought I was mentally prepared.

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

I have a support group, close friends who have had the same surgery in recent months. This is very important, as we compare notes on everything from recipes, to mental issues, to weight loss woes.

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

I had LAP RNY, so had 6 small scars. They have faded to almost non existant.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ihave had several plateaus, lasting for weeks sometimes, During this time, I notice that I have inches lost though. I have learned the plateaus are natures way of allowing the body to catch up, and frustrating as it can be,,it always passes, and is a normal part of the process.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I have noticed, men especially. I am treated withmore deferance,,and withmore respect. They look me in the eye now when they speak. and they do speak. Before it waslike I was invisible. I have noticed that some of my friends avoid the subject of my weight loss altogether,,while others compliment me all thetime. My husband is very loving and complimentry.