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

I've known about it for years, and known several people who have had the surgery. I was worried about the complication rates when I first learned of it, but through the years am more confident that it is safer, especially if you follow the guidlines.

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

My insurance approval process was fairly pain free. It was time consuming because of the requirements (physch eval, bloodwork, etc.) but overall it was quick and easy. I started this process mid March, and my surgery date is July 28th.

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

I did a LOT of research on surgery. I initially thought I was interested in the Lap-Band, but also was open to Gastric Bypass. I found several lists both on this website and others with specific questions to ask the surgeon. I'd suggest anyone going for a consult have a list of what type of eater you are, what your fears/concerns are, etc. Along with a list of questions that are very important for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm 35 years old and tired of sitting on the side lines of LIFE! I've tried MANY diets and failed and felt that if I just had a TOOL to help me I could really become successful at my weight loss!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Questions and answers from my surgeon. My age, etc.

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 prayed about this and also consulted with my Minister. I felt completely at peace with my decision and felt I had God's blessings. I have risks of dying at a young age from NOT having the surgery because of weight related illness!

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 friends have been VERY supportive with my decisions. My husband is supportive but not very excited about my choice of surgeries. He is concerned about the risks of the RYN and would much rather I have chosen Lap-Band. However, I believe he will come around! My family is excited. My 10 year old can't wait to be able to put his arms all the way around me!

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

I told them the truth, I am still pre-op (26 days til surgery as of the date this is writen) my direct supervisor wasn't very excited, but I think that is mostly because she doesn't want me out of work! I am hopeful to return after 2 weeks. I have a desk job and feel that would be OK.

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

My hospital stay was great. I was there for two nights and the nurses and techs were wonderful. The air conditioning in my room wasn't working properly and it was hot, but once I got a fan in the room it was nice. My husband was able to stay with me the whole time and they provided a cot for him to sleep on. I brought my toothbrush, flip flops and baggy pajama bottoms and a comfy t-shirt. As soon as I was allowed up and off the bed I changed from the gown to my clothes... I just felt so much better in them while walking the halls. Pain management was great also.

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

None. God is good. At about three months out I started to have a very sharp pain in my left side. I of course called my surgeon immediately, he sent me for a CT scan and determined I had a very small kidney stone but wasn't certain that was causing my pain. Gave me some pain meds and sent me on my way to try and pass the stone... almost four months later, several CT scans later and multiple other consults with surgeons, gastro docs, etc I still do not have a definate answer as to what this pain is. My PCP feels it is scar tissue, but my surgeon says no, if it were and I were having the severity of pain I am having then I would have a blockage... sigh, so anyway, the pain comes and goes and I still wouldn't change anything. I don't know that it is from my Gastric Bypass surgery but I don't know otherwise either...

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 completely at peace with my decision for this surgery and didn't feel anxious until the morning of the surgery when my husband had to leave my side.

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

I was home on day three after my surgery and as I type this it's day 13 and I'm back at work today. I took pain meds the day I arrived home from the hospital but the very next day I was meds free. I walked as much as I could in the house and that kept the gas pains down. I was able to get comfy in my bed and napped. My biggest problem was bordom from not being allowed to lift anything!

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

30 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 have been very blessed in this aspect. I take SMALL bites and CHEW and SIP. I'm not allowed any stringy veggie like celery and was warned to stay away from salad for another month or two. I've been successful with pinto beans with salsa and greek yogart in them, scrambled eggs, shaved ham, tomato, saltines, even tried a tiny piece of steak. (All OKed by my doc) Additional update at 6 MO out: I have thrown up only one time. It was after eating some deli roast beef and I honestly think I did not chew it enough and it got stuck in my pouch. I can successfully stomach a salad now and eat one at least once per week. It is REALLY good at helping me use the bathroom! :) I always try and put some chicken or something for protein in my salads so it isn't just empty food, but I have never had a problem tolerating the salad.

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

I was slow moving the first 2-4 days then was able to get out and about. Went to walmart with my hubby grocery shopping, church, with no problems.

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

Multivitamin twice per day Calcuim twice per day B12 once per day

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 only feel nausea when I have over eaten, so I try extra hard to stop at the first sign of fullness. I have had problems sleeping at night. I will go to sleep fine, but wake up after 30-45 minutes of sleep and lay awake for HOURS unable to go back to sleep. Sometimes a Tylenol PM will do the trick, other times it will not. I am experiencing hair loss at a rapid rate, but am blessed with a lot of hair. The biggest problem there is cleaning the bathroom. My surgeon told me that as long as I'm loosing hair, I'm loosing weight, so I'm good to continue loosing hair until I've gotten to goal! I dump if I eat more than 5-7 grams of sugar at a time. I can have one bite of chocolate or a bite of cake, but never more. Dumping isn't fun. AT ALL.

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

I really didn't have any negative aspects in my surgery process.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice a BIG difference. People are more friendly toward me, I seem to be heard more, not ignored, men open and hold doors for me.