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

I first learnt of bariatric surgery about three years ago from a friend and I was skeptical. Her mother and her both had the surgery in the end of last year and at first I thought they were doing it for an easy way out. Boy, was I wrong. I was with her every step of the way, asking about everything that was going on at the meetings, all of her appointments, how her Dr treated her, and of course the surgery. Since the surgery I call her to ask what she eats during the day, if she has any pain, and more on the group meetings. I have learned so much through her and I now realize that is NOT an easy way out. This is a life changing decision that you can not take back once you have decided. I am now ready to take that step and I know she will be there for me and that this is the best thing that I can ever do for myself and my family.

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

My insurance company was great. As soon as I got the necessary information in..I was approved right then and there. They did require alot of tests to be performed and it does have to be medically necessary before they will approve you.

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

Wonderful. My surgeon knew what he was talking about and explained everything perfectly and he has plenty of experience. My advice for this first meeting is...do your research and any ?'s you have...have them wrote down and let them have it :)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I hit my all time high of 315 lbs and once I had done alot of research on the subject. My kids are getting older and they need me around. I have reached the age now that I want to get my life in complete order and in order to achieve this goal I need to live a healthy life for the rest of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was wanting to do the lap RNY mainly because less recovery time and could go back to work sooner, however, after talking to the surgeon I will be having open RNY. He made alot of sense on why to have open versus lap and he said there are less complications with open and in all honesty, if there are complications at least I am already open for them to do what they need to do.

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?

This is my only problem. I really don't fear dying...I just fear surgery in general. The last time I had surgery (I had my tubes tied) the hospital I went to was completly uncaring. When I was wheeled into the OR they actually yanked my arms and basically tied them down (very roughly I might add). They did not tell me anything that was going on and was not at all reassuring. This time, I will not be at the hospital so I hope everything goes better.

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?

The only ones in my family that know I am going to have this surgery is my kids, my mom, and my ex-husband and his family. Everyone has been real supportive and they understand the reasons behind my decision. My kids are the only ones that are actually worried about it. They are fine with me having to change my lifestyle 100% but they have concerns about the actual surgery.

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

I have already told my employer of my decision to have the surgery and they are all for it. They have all witnessed me diet constantly for the past four years and just to see it end in frustration because I end up gaining it all back. They know of the problems I have in my hips and how the reduction of weight on the joints will hopefully make my life less painful. I am actually lucky to work with the people I do. We are all like one big family.

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

I was in the hospital from Tuesday til Friday morning. The stay at the hospital was fine and the nurses were great. At BTC you really don't have to bring anything. They supplied you with chapstick, tongs, and everything you need for the bathroom and shower. They even had little fans for us :-) Most important thing to bring was slippers and that really is about it. Clothes to go home in.

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

Not really. My blood suger did go real high and they gave me some insulin and then I couldn't hold any liquids down. But, after a day they finally stayed down and I did fine.

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 happy when I got my surgery date, but I never really got nervous.

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

The first couple of weeks out of the hospital..I felt drained and depressed. I had no energy whatsoever and the thought of food just made me sick. This is the best time to be alone and rest.

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

I travelled 4 1/2 hours and let me say the ride home was HORRIBLE. You really do feel every little bump in the road.

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 basically can handle almost anything. I don't have the cravings for sugar..so I really can't tell you anthing about it. There are a few resteraunts that I can not eat at anymore..Arby's, Fazolli's, and KFC. I believe it might have to do with their spices they use. At first I was not able to handle roasts of anykind...and now at 5 months out..it isn't a problem. I do have trouble with milk and milk products. I am only able to eat or drink a little bit or it makes me go to the bathroom.

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

Activity level in the days after surgery was nonexistent. I was so tired and it took all the energy I had to even take a shower. But, that does change..week by week...you will notice your energy returning and your activity level will increase gradually. I am almost 6 months out and I love being constantly in motion.

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

The only vitamins I have taken is sf childrens chewables twice a day.

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?

The vomiting at first was hard to get used to...but now it doesn't happen. So, for me it has to be the hair loss. It has been going on since the middle of month 4 and no one can notice the loss (hair was thick) but I have to clean the drains out everyday because of the hair..everytime I brush my hair..the sight of all that hair coming out is heartbreakening...but I am almost at month 6 and I am noticing that there is less hair coming out. So, hopefully it will stop pretty soon.

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

The loss of energy, the scar, that fact that I am going to be spending 1,000s on plastic surgery :-) My stomoach doesn't look to bad but I believe since I went through this surgery to make myself healthier and also to look better...might as well do the whole thing right :-)

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

No aftercare support or group program at all. I do have friends that have had the surgery and I love this website for information that they might not be able to give to me.

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

My scar is about 9 inches from breastbone to bellybutton. Yes, I did expect this, but I don't like it at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Normally when I hit a plateau...I just watch what I eat, increase my fluids and protein and wait it out. The longest plateau I have had is about 3 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to be nicer to me, they don't stare at me...well, sometimes but only in a good way. At work...it is the same...everyone comments on the weight loss and tells me how good I look, but everyone has always been real nice anyways :-)