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

I had a few friends who had it done so I started to ask questions then research it on the internet. It seemed scary but at the same time it seemed like a miracle answer for my "problem".

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

I got approved from OHIP very easily, within a couple days! I think it's probably because I had a BMI over 50 because I didn't have any other health problems.

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

It went very well and all I can tell people is to go prepared. Have a list of questions and start making the list well in advance. Be well-informed but don't assume you know all you can know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was desperate to feel healthy again, sick of living in a fat shell.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon prefers to do open RNY, he feels it is safer and more effective for long term weight loss.

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 still pre-op but am overcoming those fears by telling myself I will die if I DON'T have the surgery.

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?

They are either shocked, worried or against it. Some think I just need more will power to diet.

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 for 3 days. I loved Henry Ford! The nurses were awesome there and everyone was so helpful and friendly! The hospital itself was very nice and I had my own private room!

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

No complications

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 excited and scared at the same time. I got a lot of support from the Windsor Weight Loss Surgery Support Group and from members here on OH

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

It's a real learning and healing time. You need to give your body time to heal and learn how to eat with your new pouch.

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

I had to go across the border but the drive was maybe 20 minutes.

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 had liquids for the first two weeks then pureed foods then soft foods. If I eat too much I find I will throw it up.

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

It was hard to walk at first but got easier every week. Once you lose some weight and feel more active it is even easier.

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

I take my protein and vitamins (multi, calcium and iron) but it's hard to fit it in my pouch

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 pain if I eat too much is brutal and I have to vomit if it gets to that point...eat slow!

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

The head hunger, you feel you should be eating more than you can

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

I attend meetings at the Windsor Weight Loss Surgery Support Group and I come on OH. It is very important to have support after surgery!

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

It is long and very red right now but I expect it to shrink and fade with time. I did not expect to have a drain tube or the scar from it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just a little plateau of a few days then I lost 2 lbs overnight when it stopped.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not so far.