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

I thought it was a way to help me control my eating and a way to finally get healthy.

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

I had no trouble getting approved. I just needed to complete my paper showing my previous dieting results, then I was approved right away.

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

The first meeting was a group meeting, explaining the surgery, what it was and the results you could reasonably expect. Both the LAP Band & RNY Gastric Bypass were discussed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to do this for my health mainly. I also wanted to be able to play with my grandkids.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted it to be permanent. I never even considered the LAP Band.

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 did not really have any fears f complications or of dying. I have a strong belief in GOD and let it be in his hands. If I did die, well then, I feel it would have been my time.

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 were supportive. A few were apprehensive. I did receive support from all of them no matter what. I do feel that alot of people out there think that it is "the easy way out". But it is not. Nothing about it is easy. It is a very good tool to help people who cannot do it on their own.

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

I had retired about 3 months prior to surgery.

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

The hospital stay was pretty good. I had surgery on Monday & was released late Wednesday. You really didn't get to bring much. But books or magazines to read were helpful. As well as comfortable clothes to wear home.

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

I had 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 excited and also anxious. I just kept telling myself that all would go well and also thought of the changes I would be looking forward to. I kept going to the group support meetings at the hospital when they had them. I found them very friendly & informative.

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

I was tired and a little week. I was able to do a few things. It was important to move around. I was sore for awhile. I think the worst part was when the drain was removed. That stung a bit as it was being removed. But then was ok.

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

The hospital was about 45 minutes away. This in no way affected my aftercare.

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.

At first you could only have clear liquids for a few days. Then you could add creamed soups (watching fat & sugar content). Also blending other soups. You could have sugar free jello, puddings and ice pops. Drinking was very hard to get in at first. But eventually got better. I was able to tolerate beef, fish, eggs when I was allowed them. Pork still to this day does not always agree with me.

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

After surgery I was not very active. But each week I was able to do more. I started a part time job about 5 weeks after surgery. It was only 4 hours per day a few days a week.

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

Calcium, multi vitamin, Vitamin B1, B12, Zinc, Iron & Biotin

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 never really got nauseous. I vomited once in the hospital because they came in to give me meds right after eating lunch and it was too much to take after just eating (Jello, broth & juice). I did start to lose my hair about 2 months later but it is starting to return. I make sure I get in my protein & take Biotin. I have only dumped about 2 to 3 times. Those times were rough, but remind me that I cannot over do in any way.

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

The removal of the drain & drinking the stuff when they were checking to see if you had any leaks.

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

I go to the hospital group support every other week. I also go t another support group that is once a month. I am looking to try out some others that I have heard about. This is VERY important. You get to hear from others like yourself who have gone thru it. You also get to help others who are taking their first step.

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

Since I had Laproscopic Gastric Bypass, I only have 5 little scars. They are about what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was very slow at first. I actually gained about 4 to 5 lbs after surgery from all the bloating and skin bruising. So the first 2 weeks I lost about 10 lbs. From Sept to about February I lost 60 lbs. I am now 10 lbs lighter in June.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, some do. But mostly I am treated the same. I just get alot of people calling me skinny or half the woman I was. I take it all as complements, very graciously. Some people did not realize it was me.