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

I saw it on an ad banner on a website 3 years ago(1999). Since then I have been doing all sorts of research on it.

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

Call your surgeons office everyday after know that all paper work is completed and being sent to the surgeons office! They can either FAX it over or send it via US mail to your insurance company! But call and try to have it all sent over via FAX!!

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

Go in prepared. Type or write up a list of all your health issues. Complications and chief complaints. Also have all documented Physician supervised weight loss programs made available as well. Ask all sorts of questions on the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health getting more and more poorly each day!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did research on all the different types of procedures being done and this is the best one for my lifestyle!

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?

My fear of dying on the table is no different from dying on any given day for any given reason. But I do know that if I didn't have this procedure, my life would not be a healthy one.

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 was really glad that my family and relatives were behind me and very supportive. You may think some will not condone this. But it's always the ones you least expect to support you are the ones that are your biggest supporters. Tell them with confidence and do your homework to be able to answer all their questions!

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

I am not employeed at this time.

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

My experience at the hospital was a good one. I had very tentative nurses and my husband with me the whole time. I had no complaints...only compliments for the nurses!!

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

I had no complications whatsoever!!

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 pretty much calm the whole time. I prepared myself emotionaly and mentally for the procedure. Also I gave up some of my bad habits to make this surgery a success.

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

The first couple of days I was really tired and slept most of the time. I also slept in a recliner as the bed was just to much for me to sleep on. After the first week I was more active and began walking in malls and stores. Of course with lots of water. Second week...I was so active that staying home and doing nothing really bore me. Third week ....I started to do some light arm and leg exercises to help with excess skin!!

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

My travel to the hospital was not far...only a 15 min drive. It was comfortable.

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 only 3 weeks out....but so far I can handle anything that I have tried to eat and drink. I am very thankful for that.

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

The few days I was tired and sleepy. The first week I was sore and could not bend over...but could walk The second week I was less sore and could not still bend over but walked more. The third week I was less sore and could bend over some not a lot. But I was more active!!

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

I take childrens chewable vitamins in the morning and afternoon. I also take sublingual B-12 in the afternoon. At night I take chewable viactives and drink V-8 vegetable juice for my potassium!

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?

At only 3 weeks i have dumped once. It was a feeling of being extremely hot and sweaty..then it passed.

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

Their was not worst part of this surgery....I am just so glad it is availbale to us and can be utilizied by all who qualitfy!!

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

I have aftercare with my surgeon and I do attend several different support groups...and also online support groups that have GT's and dinner gatherings monthly!

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

I had the Lap RNY...so I have 6 small lines on my stomach. No big deal I have 6 small lines from a previous Lap procedure as well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes oh yes....and I do love it!!!