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

I heard a commercial on the radio or tv for bariatricedge.com which was an informative site about the surgery. After reviewing it and taking in all the information, I determined this was something I wanted to seriously consider. About 2 years later, I had a date.

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

I did not have insurance when I first learned about the surgery and, as a result, did not seriously persue it until April 2006 - when I was insured with Blue Cross of California. I was initially denied authorization, but appealed with a personal letter indicating why I thought I needed the surgery, and quoting the American Bariatric Association as well as the Department of Managed Care which indicated that for those seriously overweight (100+ pounds) this really was the only option for success. My recommendation would be to play an active role in the process. Don't hand the responsibility to your medical group or PCP and wait. Make calls, follow up, and write your insurance company personally.

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

I came prepared with many questions, however a lot of my answers were found through the experiences of other patients on obesityhelp.com. I definately did my research on multiple sites. My suggestion is be prepared with questions, don't exclude ANYTHING for fear it is a stupid question, and make sure you are fully informed and comfortable when you leave the surgeons office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Getting insurance was HUGE in my decision as without it, I could not afford it. After reading all the success stories and seeing all the lives transformed, I knew this was what I needed to do to take control of my weight and my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only considered the Lap Band for a short time based on the fact that weight loss is slower and long term outcomes show more success with RNY. Again, the experiences of others also led to my decision to go with endoscopic RNY.

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 a choice I made and if something were to have happened to me in surgery, I would have certainly felt great guilt about putting myself in the situation. HOWEVER, I also know that without the surgery, I was destined for long term disease and more health issues which could limit the time I had left with my family. I reconciled that this wasn't only for me, but my family and made peace with that decision. Recognize that you are doing this for your health and wellbeing. Although we have to play an active role in getting the surgery authorized, doctors have seen the effects of the surgery and know it improves health considerably. This is something you are doing for you and your health. Imagine the day you don't even consider your weight (unless it is in a good way) - It will happen - and this surgery makes it possible.

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 family was very supportive. I only told my parents, my brother, and my immediate family and feel that was a good decision. Although my parents were scared for me, they supported me a great deal. There is certainly a perception in public that WLS is the easy way out. I want to tell you it is not! It is hard, it is life altering, and it comes with its forever. All of my family has celebrated my weight loss and congratulated me on my success. I am only half way there, but there is a noteable difference in my energy level, my appearance, and how I feel about myself.

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

N/A - I am a student full time, so this was not an issue for me.

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 fair. I was suprised by the amount of pain I woke up with and was happy for the morophine and other pain medications available. I was in the hospital for 2 full days. Bring slippers and a robe so you can make your walks down the hall. These are imperative!

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

No complications. My only issues were emotional. I mourned the loss of food and it took about 5 weeks to adjust to my new eating habits. It is a struggle, but it is SO worth it!

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 crazy with emotions. I was SO excited and yet so anxious! I stayed connected on my support board (obesity help.com) and tried to prepare my home for the time I would be unable to help out. I found distracting myself with other activities was good as well. You likely will want to binge on everything. Acknowledge where that comes from (fear, anxiety) and do the best you can.

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

The first week after surgery was tough. It is hard to get all the food in and you are very tired and in some pain. I did the best I could, tried not to be critical of myself and allowed myself the rest I needed. Be sure to have help with kids if you have them...you won't have time to cater to their every need right after surgery. I also had "buyers remorse" - thinking I had made the wrong choice. I think it happens to a lot of people, but ultimately - I am happy I had the surgery. Regarding the anxiety, I called my mentor, I cried at times, and found that letting it out made me feel immensley better. Holding your anxity and emotional pain inside only makes it worse.

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

My hospital was only 20 minutes away from my home so distance was not an issue for me

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.

Protien shakes are sweet and my tolerance for sweet things went down considerably at the end of my liquid phase which was 3 weeks. I was thrilled to enter pureed foods and enjoyed yogart, instant mashed potatoes, and pureed foods. I have been unable to eat eggs or pasta since the surgery. If I can make one suggestion - get sugarfree popcicles and fudgecicles for your initial post-op period. They were a lifesaver for me many times.

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

I continued to walk daily after surgery until about 4 weeks at which time I moved. Since that time, my activity has mostly been unpacking, housework and yardwork for our newhome. I plan on starting a more structured fitness program this month.

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

Multi-vitamin B12 Protein, protein, protein, Iron

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 initially had some sleep disturbance (waking up at 3am and not being able to go right back to sleep), but that only lasted about a week. I have had vomiting as I try new foods or get over eager with certain favorites. Eating too fast or drinking water too soon after eating will result in vomiting. Take it slow and remember the guidelines from your surgeon.

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

Getting my brain to catch up with my body and the changes that are being made. I find myself frustrated about what I can't eat rather than focusing on the positive. Adjusting to not being able to eat what your family eats is difficult and making yourself eat enough to sustain you also becomes an issue as you are farther out from surgery

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

I attend a support group through my surgeons office weekly and that support has been very important to me. In addition, I continue to communicate through Obesity Help and attend gatherings (monthly coffee and special events) as time allows. I have heard over and over that those who seek out support have the best overall result long term and will continue both in an effort to get and stay healthy for the rest of my life.

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

I have 5 small scars on my belly and there has not been an issue with them. I am only 3 months out and they are pink, but considerably smaller and have healed well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had heard that at 3 weeks you experience a plateau and I did not weigh myself for 1.5 weeks to prevent any disappointment. Other than that, I have not yet experienced a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do find people treat me differenty and I have mixed feelings about that. I get angry because I have not changed and I think it is sad that our society is so physically focused when they determine who they will speak to or engage. However, I have enjoyed it, at times, as well. I would be dishonest if I indicated otherwise.