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

My intial impressions of bariatric surgery was--"only if I have too." Well I guess that was primarily from the denial I was in. I have say that I thought this surgery was only for those out of control. Now I realize that this is a tool to help save the obese from dying young.

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

My experience with the insurance company has been very nice. That is primarily because I did my research before choosing the insurance company I have now. (For those wondering I have Aetna HMO.) They were GREAT. They approved me for the Lap. RNY in less then 5 days. And they even called to tell me happy birthday and I was approved for the surgery. It was the best gift anyone could have given me. I was given a chance to save my self from the ever lasting life of fat, sleep apnea, hypertension, gerd, breathing hard when walking, and God only knows what else was coming my way!

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

My first visit with the surgeon was nice. It took like 5 minutes. I went well prepared. I did my homework. I knew what was needed to know and had support groups to depend on for other answeres. I also asked questions that no one in the support groups had answeres to. Take the time and research this. Make sure to get it all out in the open with the surgeon otherwise you will be having questions that could make you turn back on your journey.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have surgery after I went to my 2nd fat Dr. and found out that I hadn't lost but gained weight while I was on a potentially lethal mixture of weight loss drugs. I had reached an all time high of weight and I my new doc diagnosed me with Hypertension and Sleep Apnea. I needed to do something and needed to do it now! Drastic means calls for drastic measures.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the Lap RNY because I saw Carnie Wilsons surgery and felt that it would be the one to suit my needs. I decided that Lap was necessary because it was less invasive. I think that the fact that they don't actually take out your stomach makes me feel better. Just in case for God only knows what reason I may have to have it reversed.

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 having a lot of those fears although they are subsiding. I am a worry wort. I worry about everything. I spent about 2 and 1/2 half hours one day reading the profiles of those that didn't make it and why they didnt. When I was done I was convinced I was going to die. Then a very special person told me to think of all those that have had the surgery and it was successful! He was right and I have since gotten over a lot of my fears.

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?

Most of my family was extremely supportive. Some were worried but I think that is normal fears. I had to educate most of them on what the surgery was and how it was going to make me a happier and healthier person. I haven't had the surgery yet but I am sure they will be supportive of me. In fact I have several family members who are taking the day off to see me in the hospital the day of surgery. My mother is off the whole month to help care for me.

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 thought my employer were going to be upset because of the amount of time I was going to be out. Conversely my manager and supervisor was very supportive and excited for me. My manager wanted to even know more about it because she thought it was "fascinating."

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

The hospital was ok. THe nurses were Ok. They were very understaffed and I could hardly get one to come and help me at night. But overall the hospital was ok. Most important to bring is--Well a robe...that's all I really needed from home oh and the hand wipes for babies. They are awsome!

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 felt ok. Not as sick as everyone says they felt. I was sick of the soups that's for sure..haha

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

Your gonna eat lots of soup and jello. It's gonna be sickening after a while but just hang in there..it will be worth it!

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

10 miles

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.

After my surgery I couldn't eat anything with fat in it..well a little fat but not a lot...mayo, fish, butter, ect. I still can't eat it..I get very sick if I do.

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

Very slow the first 2 weeks..After that I was up and moving around quickly. Still not as quick. 1 month out I was back to normal. I also have more energy than before the surgery

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

Pokemons and tums.

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 vomit if I eat too much and I stay away from fatty foods now that I know that I dump on them.

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

The time before my surgery. That was scarriest..wondering if I will make it. I'm OK...just like everyone told me I would..haha.

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

I am on AZWLS support group and I go to the monthly meetings given by St. Lukes Weight Management dept.

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

I have 6 scars...small and not bad at all. I had lap. Very happy with outcome.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus yet--but I know they are near. Haha

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I noticed that people notice my weight loss and are happy...that makes me happy in the end.