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

My mom had the DS when I was 19 years old. She had complications and almost died so I was scared about it for many years. I swore I would never have surgery because of what she went through.

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

Before you get excited about the surgery and begin the long process, be sure your insurance covers the surgery. If you don't then you will be EXTREMELY disappointed after you have gone through the long process just to be denied by the insurance. I was lucky and was approved the very first time.

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

I loved my surgeon and his assistant. They were very friendly, comfortable and informative as to what to expect and what the procedure entails. They were completely honest! Make a list of questions before you go in to see them. This way you will have no surprises.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daughter. I knew I couldn't live obese the rest of my life if I wanted to be able to enjoy her and her enjoy me. I want to see my child grow up and get married. I want to see my grandkids and be able to play with them someday. I also felt as though I didn;t have a choice anymore. I have tried everything else with no success. It wasn't going to change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon's assistant explained every procedure to me as well as the complications. The RNY seemed to be the most successful while being less invasive then the DS. I decided against the lapband because of all of the complications that can happen.

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 was a mess the night before surgery. I had panic attacks and was a crying mess. I was scared to death that I would never see my daughter again. However, at the same time I knew that I had to do this and that everything would be okay. The night before surgery, I read the posts of my friends from OH that had the surgery. That helped me through also. The biggest thing that helped me was thinking to myself that I can back out if I want. This is my decision and I don't have to do this if I don't want to. The nurse in the preop made me feel better also. She told me that Dr. Lane did atleast 2 of the surgeries a day and they have never lost a patient or had major complications. After the surgery, the only regret I have is that I let myself get that upset the night before. I can't imagine how I would feel right now if I had backed out. I am sooooooooo glad I went through with it. I would do it again in a second.

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?

I have always had amazing support from most people. There are some that just don't understand why someone would go as fas as to have a major surgery to lose weight. I have some in-laws that feel that I should've exercised and dieted instead of having surgery. They just didn't understand that I have done that and it didn't work. It's okay that not everyone supported me. The ones who really made a difference to me were the ones who supported me from day one.

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

I am a student but my professors all gave me a look of horror when I told them. None of them understand the surgery at all.

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 for 3 nights and 4 days. My doctor kept me an extra day because I had swelling in my throat from the anestesia tube. I couldn't feel the actual swelling. It just felt like heart burn when I tried to swallow. The nurses aids were the best. They were so nice and helpful. The nurses were great too. I didn't mind being there at all. All you need is basic necessities like toothbrush and paste, shampoo and soap. I came home in the clothes I went to the hospital in. Also make sure you bring something to do or read. You will be walking a lot.

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

I didn't have any complications other than some minor swelling from the anestesia tube in my throat. Other than that it was smooth.

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 in disbelief that it was finally going to be happening after waiting for so long. I didn't really have any anxiety until a couple days before surgery. I just kept telling myself that I have to do this and I will be alright.

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

I am two weeks post op. I have been pretty self sufficient. As of now I am completely self sufficient, aside from lifting anything real heavy. I have some discomfort from time to time. It's not pain, it's just a different feeling in there. Everytime I eat or drink anything I feel like I swallowed a rock. Everything seems to feel so heavy in my stomach. That feeling usually lasts for a few seconds but it's weird. I have noticed that I am extremely thirsty. I dream of being able to gizzle a cold iced tea or a glass of ice water. Of course I can't. I don't feel hungry at all either. I'm not sick at all!! I just have to remind myself to eat. It's actually kind of cool to feel how different things are inside now. I have never had to remind myself to eat before. Everything has gone so smooth that it's hard to believe that I just had surgery 2 weeks ago.

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

5 minutes. I live very close to the weight loss center and hospital in Bowling Green, Ohio.

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.

So far liquids bother me more than mushy foods. I noticed that in the mornings I have to eat some banana or oatmeal or something before I can drink anything. Then when I drink it feels okay. I did have some lasagna and I chewed it up a lot. At first it sat fine. The next night I had a bite again and it didn't want to go all the way down. I haven't tried it since. Cottage cheese is good and bananas are wonderful.

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

The first couple of days I was more afraid of doing anything or walking for long distances. then I realized that I was okay and felt great. After the drain tube came out a few days after I came home, I felt completely fine. I have felt run down and low energy, but I was told that would happen.

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

I'm still on my blood pressure meds but I am also taking Optisource vitamins and Allergy A&D pills. I also take the chewable tums with calcium.

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 have always had hair loss due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome but it has gotten worse since surgery. I haven't yet started taking anything yet. A friend of mine takes biotin 3000? for her hair loss. I haven't had any other side effects like nausea, dumping or sleep disturbance.

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

The panic and worry the night before. The second worst part was having to deal with the drainage tube after surgery. It was such a nuisance.

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

I don't have one yet.

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

My scars are tiny. Compared to what I have done to my body before surgery (stretch marks) the scars from surgery are nothing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven;t got that far yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people aren't sure what to say to me. I can see them looking at me and checking me out but they don't seem like they really know what to say. My really close friends and family have complimented me.