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

My best friend is also post-op. She introduced me to this site, and to an e-group support group in my area. I have not felt so much support in my life, but since I joined this group, I feel a part of something special.

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

I was approved by United Healthcare Choice POS within 2 days!!! My Dr.'s office had to confirm a fax receipt, but once it was confirmed, they received an answer within 18 hours!

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

I was very impressed with Dr. Veninga. His manner is very professional, yet he makes you laugh. I felt confident that he would do an excellent job on my surgery. I suggest in order to get as much out of the time you have, write your questions down, investigate before your appointment via the web, friends, whatever means possible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The success rate of RNY vs. regular dieting, and speaking with several post-op people who are more than 1 year out. The chance of complications outweighed (no pun intended! LOL) the probability that I would die of an obesity-related issue.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really liked Dr. Veninga, and I'd also heard more bad about Lap RNY than Open. I have since heard about 50/50 for each. Lap seems to have a faster outside recovery rate, but for me the open was not a problem. I had little to no pain once I woke up in the recovery room, 4 hours after surgery.

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'm rather surprised that I didn't have fears about dying from the surgery, but I was nervous about the pain level before I went in. I was pleasantly surprised. I guess I have a very high pain tolerance.

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 sister was surprisingly against surgery. I suspect this is from the risk of major surgery. However, she respected my decision and my mother was here for the recovery period. My father hasn't expressed an opinion one way or the other. My BF has been VERY supportive, and has helped me in my search and recover, and has even started working out with me to keep me on the weight loss track.

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 very supportive. He immedately asked how long I would need off - 3 or 4 weeks... This surprised me very much. I'd planning to be off 3 weeks, but I was actually off almost 5 weeks, because of dehydration early on - I got stubborn and wouldn't drink horrible-tasting water, until my doctor threatened me with either hospitalization or a home-health nurse to re-hydrate me. Needless to say, I quickly found a way to force the water down.

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

My stay in the hospital was pleasant but too long. I was ready to go home on the 2nd day, but my surgeon believes in a 4 day stay. Most of the staff was very pleasant and knew what they were doing, although the dietician seemed to think that I should have a normal meal for the first meal they served me. I had to correct them and had to get it changed on my chart. Once that was straitened out, I had to keep reminding them I couldn't have sugar. I think they just are not used to dealing with this type of surgery.

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 had a real problem with depression from 2 weeks post op - but it has evened out over time. I physically feel fine, but emotionally it's been rough. I look forward to improving that though, very soon. I had to go on Paxil and have started therapy to learn how to deal with the emotions that were previously covered by food.

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

Take everything SLOWLY. Don't rush your recovery, or you will regret it. You'll probably feel a burst of energy, but don't overdo!!!

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

Only about 10 miles. My surgeon has now decided to discontinue this type of surgery, so I have to find another surgeon for my continued follow-up care.

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 discovered that I don't have a problem with sugar, unless it's about 15 grams per serving or more. This means I can take a taste of cheesecake, but thankfully my taste buds reject that taste - real sugar tastes HORRIBLE to me now. I still have a problem with some beef, but all other forms of meat/fowl are good for me. I try to eat my protein first, wait about 10 minutes, then if I'm still hungry I nibble on vegetables, either steamed or raw.

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

The day I got home from the hospital, my boyfriend and friends were packing and moving us to an apartment. I kept trying to help, but of course they wouldn't let me. My activity level dropped off when I wasn't drinking my water, but other than that, it was higher than before surgery.

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

4 Flintstones or comperable chewable vitamin, Vit. A, L-Lysene (to aid my immune system), and Vioxx (for my bursitis). I also take an aspirin a day for my heart.

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?

5 months out I still have bouts of insomnia, but not very much. I just sit on the couch and think until I'm tired again, or I get up and walk until time to prepare for work. 12 months out - I still have bouts with insomnia, so I suspect it's not weight related. I had a significant amount of hair loss starting my 5th month, but it has slowed. Hopefully it will start to grow back quickly. 12 months out I still dump on fat, and on more than 15 grams of sugar.

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

Learning how to deal with the emotions that I had buried for so long. That's going to be a very long process, I believe.

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

Dr. Veninga has meetings once a month for both pre-op and post-op, as well as anyone looking for information. He is also available for questions anytime during the day. I also belong to several e-groups specifically for WLS. 3/02 - Dr. Veninga has discontinued this type of surgery, so I have to find a new follow-up surgeon. I still have my on-line support groups, and we meet once a month for fun, fellowship, and information exchange!

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

It is 8" long, a little pink still, but all healed up. It's actually better than I anticipated. I have been putting Emu oil on it and it is almost all gone. It developed into bumpiness, but has started to go down, and I anticipate being able to wear a two piece swimsuit next summer!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on a plateau for 6 weeks now, but I'm not worried about it - my body is changing because I keep changing sizes, so even though the scale doesn't move, my body is still adjusting. 12-months - I have been on a plateau now for almost 6 months, but I believe it is due to the Depro Provera shot. I have just discontinued this shot, so hopefully I can lose that last 30 pounds quickly!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They look me in the eye now. I get more attention from guys on the street now too. Even women talk to me more than they used to.