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

My brother had bariatric surgery over 6 years ago, it was successful with him. Unfortunately he was convinced he was weak because he didn't loose the 300lbs on his own and he had unrealistic expectations of what he would look like after loosing so much weight. I wasn't very postive about it at that time. Many years later I met a friend who had the surgery done and I began my research into it.

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

My insurance experiance was a very positive one. I am not sure if I just got lucky or if I have a really good insurance company, I tend to think my insurance company is AWESOME! My advice to those seeking insurance approval is to try to stay positive and be persistant.

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

My first visit was maybe 5 minutes and very rushed. My advice is that anyone go in with questions in hand and do not let yourselves be rushed, this is a MAJOR decision the physicians need to take the time to talk to thier patients.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Many factors guided me to my decision, but mostly was the thought of growing old and being able to enjoy my life rather being incumbered by co-morbidities which are so prevalent in my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I saw a couple of surgeons at first and I was interested in the Laparoscopic procedure but didn't like the idea of it taking longer to perform than the open. I found a surgeon who's forte was the RNY via laparoscopy, and I decided that I would like to attempt have it this way; mainly due to the quicker recovery time involved.

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?

Oh I am terrified! At first I was very excited but now as the sugery gets closer I am having doubts in everything, the hospital, the surgeon, his staff, the program, the support....I have been blessed that my family and friends are very supportive of my decision even those who think this is an extreme measure. My advice is to ask many questions, get on this site and read read read...and realize your fears are not unfounded they are natural it is a big deal, it is a major decision.

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 friends have been supportive but I believe it's because by the time I presented my decision I was not asking permission but for support. I sent letters to my friends stating that I understood that not everyone would agree with my decision, but I was asking for their support in something I had decided was what I wanted for my life. I reassured them I wasn't trying to convert anyone to having this sugery, that was each person's individual decision. I was amazed at the support and love I received in return.

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

At first I was going to lie about the surgery, and later I decided I didn't want to start my new life with a series of lies. Part my responsibility in having this surgery (I believe) is to inform those who I can that obesity **is** a disease not a choice. I told my employers of my decision being ready to quit if I needed to. They required all sorts of paperwork and a letter of medical necessity, but since I didn't have insurance through them, I was not really obligated to give them extensive information into my personal affairs. The long and the short of it is that eventually they granted my my medical leave and although I wouldn't say they are "supportive" it's been pretty positive. The best part is I have nothing to hide or be ashamed about and that feels pretty damn good!

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

Hostpital stay was tedious, I stayed for 7 days. Nursing staff was helpful, but I really recommend having a family member stay with you during this. Most important things for me to bring were; something to put my hair up with like a scrunchy, a brush, and socks (because my feet were always cold!)

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

I did have a couple of minor complications. I had an Ilius which is where gas gets stuck and won't more and it is causing a back up. An NG tube had to be placed through my nose in order to decompress the stomach, which was scary and uncomfortable. I was very upset and had a hard time dealing with it. I think if I had been more realistic about the facts I could get complications along with a doctor who explained things a bit more thoroughly I would have handled things better.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

In the several weeks after sugery I was weak, tired and not feeling really good. I regretted having the sugery and wondered why I had done this to myself. Food was disgusting to me and it was very difficult trying to eat at all. About the third week in I found some foods that I enjoyed and didn't make me sick. About 6 weeks in I started to notice the loss in clothes sizes and energy although not normal increased and again I began to be able to eat more and more foods. At 9-10 weeks my energy was back and better then before, my weight loss was steady, I felt much better and I pretty much could eat anything I wanted. At this point I realized it was all worth it, it wasn't easy but it was worth it.

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

I had trouble sleeping on a regular bed. I stayed with family and slept sitting up most of the time. At about 2 weeks post op I came home and was able to sleep in my bed and get around pretty much, but eating was more difficult. I had most meals pre-prepared and didn't really eat much. My energy level was low and mostly I rested.

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

Approximately 45minutes to the south, it did not effect aftercare at all.

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.

Well, regarding food I just became more sensitive to things I was already on the verge of having problems with. I became lactose intollerant and fat intolerant. It made me uncomfortable but wasn't too serious if I did consume some. If I overdid it with those items it would be rather uncomfortable. Sugary foods I was able to handle as long as it wasn't a lot or very very rich.

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

From surgery to 6 weeks my activity level was rather low and my energy really didn't return until week 9 but after that it has been great. No problems with energy or activity level.

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

I take a multi-vitamin daily, b12 injections monthly and iron as needed.

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?

Nausia persisted into I believe week 3-4 which was more of my identifying what my body was trying to tell me. Vomitting wasn't really an issue, I maybe had a vomitting spell once or twice post op. Hair loss began at three months post op and has stopped at about 9 months post op but my hair hasn't really grown in thicker yet. Although I have been eating less because of pregnancy so it's unfair to say it's surgery related.

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

The gas immediately after sugery, it was the most painful, the most disturbing and the most unexpected.

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

I started with Dr. Carasquilla's plan, of which I never saw the nutritionist (she was out on maternity leave and the new nutritionist didn't know anything about the program; couldn't reach her by phone...etc...) the psychologist was not on my insurance and was costly to go to; although she offered a plan with a nutritionist and a personal trainer that sounds good...if only I didn't live 1.5hours away. :( I have decided to go to Dr. Marema's because he offers a very solid after care program and he has agreed to take me as his patient. It is VERY important to have a nutritionist and doctor care post-op....for anyone looking please consider this before you decide on a surgeon.

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

I have 6 little scars on my stomach and they are small and really don't bother very much. They are what I expected, but I chose the lap for the quicker recovery and not the smaller scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My pateau's have been typically right before my menstral cycle, recently I have reached a plateau I believe due to getting sick, having kidney stones and being in the hospital but I think once I get back to normal I will start loosing again. Also, if I don't eat I notice I immediatly plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it's hard to determine if it comes from me being more comfortable or just looking different. I have been blessed that even at work my appearance isn't that much of an issue everyone just does their job which is nice, I don't get lots of compliments like I believe I would in other fields of work. It feels good because I am still the same person I am just now happier with the way I look and feel about myself and in my own skin.