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

I first found out about it about 2 years ago I went to the information seminar and decidsed at that time it wasn't for me. I heard about another surgeon a year ago and went to his seminar which was so much more informative that i decided to go for it.

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

I had no problems with insurance I think I made one or two calls and that was it

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

My first visit was good it was just the surgeon talking to me about what to expect and all the steps that I need to take and if I was serios about going thru with it. For anyone considering this Please ask all the questions at this visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went to my primary doctor and my blood pressure was out of control and she prescribed medication for diabetes. Also a guy that I was involved with said he didnt want to be with me any more because he was embarrassed to be seen with me. That really hurt,but it was a good thing I have someone in my life now who loves me for being me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first I was dead set on getting the Lap Band but I talked to a few people who had that procedure and they werent getting the results that I wanted. So I decidend on the RNY procedure

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?

With any surgery there is a possibilty that something will happen but have faith and confidence that all is going to be ok

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 fiance was and still is very supportive my children were nervous for me but supportive. after surgery they were all there for me helping get through those first few days.

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 great they are a few other people there that have had the surgery before me and they were very supportive of my decision. I was out of work for three weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I enjoyed it it was very informative I was glad I attended

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

I was supposed to be in the hospital one day but my blood pressure dropped drastically so I stayed one more day for observation. Important to bring slippers and a robe because you will be out of bed walking

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

Just the blood presure dropping It was taken care of at the hospital with no further problems

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. To cope with the anxiety I kept myself busy doing things around the house

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

The first was fine but towards the middle of the second week it started to get hard to do the protein shakes and not want something else what helped me was chicken broth my mom made homemade soup and strained the broth and that helped it tasted like I was actuall yhaving some food

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

I traveled from Raleigh to Durham which isnt too far it didnt affect my aftercare at all my doctor has an office in Raleigh

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.

At first I couldnt have anything but protein shakes and water or crystal lite broth. after three weeks I was on a pudding consistency like boiled egg mash potatoes oatmeal then I went to tuna chicken fresh veggies chewed well. Now I eat regularly but I cant tolerate bread products or milk

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

I walked every day for the three weeks that I was out of work. Once back to work it was harder to fit it in but i started riding a stationary bike three evenings a week while dinner was cooking

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

Calcium B12 Iron Chewable multi vitamins

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 experienced nausea vomiting hair loss and I had the worst taste in my mouth that i couldnt get rid of It lasted about 6 weeks I just kept telling myself this is what I wanted so I had to deal with it It will be well worth it in the long run

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

The worst part for me was the nausea and getting used towhat I could eat without getting sick It takes time to see what your body will tolerate

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

I go to a support group meeting once a month Its helpful to see what that others are going thru the same things that you are going thru and to see how they are dealing with it

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

I have 5 scars but it doesnt bother me they are barely visible.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i havent had any plateaus yet my weight has been coming off consistently so far

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I work in an elementary school and the kids look at me like WOW how did you do that? I actually get looks from men