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

A close friend had it done over 3 yrs ago. At first I though it was scary and extreme.

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

It was the pits. I completed all the pre reqs to be denied. ONly to find out the denial was based on a type o from the ins end. Once corrected approved with in a week. But meantime we had went onto Cobra due to my hubby loosing his job.

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

I meet with one Dr first and was impressed, but was asked to loose about 40 lbs to be able to be placed with the Lap Band. Then meet with Dr #2 and decided to go RNY. Very glad I did too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My family and especially my kids. I want to be happy and healthy for them. I want to be able to keep up with their toddler selves.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading a lot of articles and stats.

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 knew death was a very low risk. I did write letters to my spouse and kids, but I knew in my heart I would be ok. Still worry about getting complications. But, not too worried or I wouldnt have done it. For others with fear, the risk of surgery is far less than not haven it. I didnt want to be diabetic in a few years (was with each pregnancy) and on blood pressure meds shorty there after.

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 hubby was for it before I was. My mom and other family members where worried. They were not too hip on the idea, but knew I had to do what I needed to for me. After surgery they are pretty supportive. They still have no idea all the changes. Its more than how much you can eat. Its so much more. But learn as you go. And ask lots of questions is my motto.

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

My bosses where very excited for me. They all stated if I needed anything to let them know. And, they knew I would do great. I will be out of work about 2 weeks. Not too bad I'd say.

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

My stay was great. I was there two days. Most important to bring is comfy clothes, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and misc items in that line.

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

Minor issue with solids. Dr thought may have had a small stricture that repaired self.

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 elated. Finally my new life would begin.

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

I was fine. About week 2 I am more tired than before. The hardest adjustment was planning my meals and fluids to work with when my family ate. My son was worried I wasnt eating with them. He was sure I was so hungry. Bless his little heart.

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

Only about 15 min from home.

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 could eat soups with crackers in it, cottage cheese, string cheese, my protein drink, and s/f jello and pudding for the first couple weeks. As far as after that, dont know just starting that portion of the post op.

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

I had great energy for the past couple weeks. But I am more tired now than right out of surgery.

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

Being a bad patient and not taking my vitamins. EEECCKKK!!!

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 am just now starting to experience the vomiting and this foaming so far. Still a newbie on post op, but more to come I am sure.

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

Just adjusting how slow I need to eat. And planning around fluids and food. Not to mention being able to sit at the table with my family and eat with them.

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

This website is huge for me. I also have a friend that is post op that has helped a ton too. There are support groups I can attend here as well. There are a lot of co-workers that have had the surgery too and they help a ton as well.

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

It is just 6 little cuts in a circle on my tummy. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Its so weird to not loose anything for about a week, then to loose about 4 lbs. I shouldnt complain at all. For the first time since I am heavy I am loosing instead of gaining. LOL

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, but in a positive way. most people comment on the physical changes.