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

A huge billboard on the side of the highway caught my eye and it was for the local hospital's weight loss surgery program. I have had several friends who had the surgery and say it is the best thing they ever did. I needed to find out for myself and as I sat in the initial information presentation I became worried about the complications that can arise even death but I know in my heart that I will die from heart problems or high blood pressure if I do not take control of my life and that the complication rate is very low thus all the need for testing and I have chosen to pursue saving my life.

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

As far as insurance goes I am extremely Blessed that my insurance company will cover the surgery and I am very careful to document all the who, what, where, and whens each and every time I speak to the insurance company. doctor's office or even when I leave a message. My advice is to stay on top of ALL the DETAILS and do not be afraid to call and verify if something does not sound right.

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

My first meeting was the info session at the hospital and I was shocked at all the people who turned out and what terrible health issues some are facing I began to wonder if I was bad enough off to need this surgery then I listened to the presentation and from the moment the surgeon began to speak I felt a sort of calm about dealing with this weight problem that I have never felt before. I loved that he was so calm, explained all the stages and a bit about what to expect. I was most impressed at the fact that I will not go at this alone that there will be support from start to long after the finish from all different areas. Now each day I pray that God will show me the way and Bless all the Medical team with the resources and skill to help me back to Health.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided upon the surgery when I learned that despite all the hundreds of diets, diet books and plans the vast majority of obese and morbidly obeses people rarely to never are able to keep any large amount of weight off for a long term period of time, also learning that enviornmental and other factors hinder weight loss it is not just me being lazy and eating too much. We learned that the average person's stomach is the size of a loaf of bread that is alot of space to fill before you are full.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided upon the ruen y (spelling?) Gastric bypass as opposed to the lap band because I feel it will be a better long term choice and I have a fear of band slippage plus with the bypass side effect of dumping syndrome I am less apt to attempt to go back to bad habits....there is a reaction to every action.

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 am concerned about complications but I am not scheduled until August for surgery so I hope to get as much info as possible by then.

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?

I have not told my family yet.

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

I am full time stay-at-home Mom and so time off is not a huge issue...My husband will be there to help with the kids aged 2 and 4.

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

I was in the hospital Mon-Thu as I was running a low grade temp they kept me one extra night (3 versus the usual 2) that was fine by me more IV pain meds. Bring lip blam-very dry lips after surgery and sleeping so much, skin lotion the hospital stuff is cheap and having the type you like best is important. A good magazine to pass the time and my IPOD was a big help too.

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

I was lucky and very Blessed to have had no complications and not even a drain from the lap RNY.

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 felt a bit nervous that I would make a mistake and undo the good that had been done....this is a normal fear I think that we all take this so seriously that anxiety is to be expected. I am very lucky to have a wonderful support system of family and friends so who have had the surgery plus the OH website is GREAT.

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

My first few weeks post-op were tough no energy and a few feelings of will this ever get easier. I was having a difficult time making myself understand that this type of surgery you just do not bounce back from like from a cold or stomach bug. LAP or not this is major surgery and the body has to catch up and recover...I took it pretty easy for 3 weeks and really gave my body the time it needed to get adjusted to the new plumbing. Do not think that you can go out and take on the world in just a short time. Be sure to give yourself enough physical and emotional time to heal and come to terms with the huge change that has been made.

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

I was only 25 minutes away from Danbury Hospital where my surgery took place so it was an easy trip to and from the hospital. I am so pleased to have been so close to the facility in case of some type of emergency or quick trip for a check-up.

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 am currently 5 months out and it has been nothing less than amazing how things have changed. The first 3 weeks post op was all liquids at first I could not even drink that as my pouch was super sensitive and sent stuff back orange juice and I actually vomited on protein shake because it was just a sip too much. It was then 5 weeks of purees and that was hit or miss some foods like applesauce, diet pudding and such was great but even a puree of meat or fish could prove to be too much so every couple of weeks I would try to reintroduce foods I had previously had a tough time with and they were okay then. Once I hit solids I vomited ALOT at times daily, it is critical to eat SLOWLY and chew WELL all the time. I still cannot tolerate pasta, bread, rice and some meats very well but I am getting better and just take it slow. It is so important to remember that just because you are months out from surgery the basics are still necessary food, water, supplements and sticking to what you have learned.

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

As soon as I got home and for the first week or so after just getting up, taking a shower and eating made me need a nap and as each day went on I tried to do a bit more folding laundry, paying bills, light tidying of the house (no lifting or vaccuming for 6 weeks) and other not to stressful taks to keep my mind occupied and them eased into more heavy duty tasks as I was allowed by the doctors. Trying to walk in the house, driveway, yard even up and down the stairs 4 or 5 times a day is draining at first but what a feeling of accomplishment.

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

Since surgery I am taking Prilosec, Biotin, Calcitrate 500 plus D, Prenatal Vitamins, B-12.

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 have had some different side effects and have coped as best as I can at 5 months some are still there and I feel that they are all part of the process and thus things I have to deal with. I have had little nausea sometimes if I eat too quickly or certain types of spice may cause this. Vomiting - Yes, I cannot always tell if I will vomit but more often than not this is the one side effect that I have the most even at 5 months out I still vomit on occassion based on eating too fast or certain new recipes. Hair loss began at 4 months and I think it is due in part to an 85 pound weight loss by 5 months and not always getting in as much of my protein as is required. The hair loss with luck will resolve itself but it is a reminder of what I have been through. I do dump if I eat something sweet so I do all that I can to avoid this but it has not been too bad. I have also had a kidney stone recently possibly from not getting in enough water so I am very diligent about my water intake and it is important to remember not to get too lazy about the basics.

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

I feel that the worst part about the bariatric surgery process is that not knowing from one step to the next how you are doing once you put your mind to it the thought of it not happening is almost too much to handle. I think too it is difficult because no two people are the same so there is not any set rules about reactions, healing time, chances of complications etc and this can be a bit unsettling. Overall I think that for me the bariatric surgery process has been such a Blessing and I thank God everyday for the chance to have saved my own life.

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

There is an aftercare support group at the hospital where I had my surgery I have been to the group twice but have found it to be helpful at times and useless at others as it seems for some patients it is simply a forum for them to discuss their psychiatric problems instead of sharing useful information that others could benefit from.

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

I have 5 very small scars from the Lap RNY holes and they seem to have healed fine they are not raised at all and they are still redish/purple but I have had no difficulty with them I expected worse so I wear them with pride I earned them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau experiences as of yet my weight loss has slowed a bit but I am still losing and I am very happy with my progress thus far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am treated differently both by strangers and people who I know. Many folks have told me that they did not recognize me and that fells fine! I feel that I have a much more confident demeanor than before and people notice that too.