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

I dont remember how I first learned about it, but a coworker was going to have it done and so I also started the process of trying to get insurance to pay for it. I was denied because I was 'too healthy' so I gave up. A few years later I started reading about people going to Mexico.

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

I was denied because I didnt have enough issues. The doctors office I was going to wasnt very helpful. If I did it over I would find a surgeon whose office is a little more proactive in helping their patients get approved.

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

Because I went to Mexico, I didnt meet the surgeon until the morning of surgery. However, he was very kind and very informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to because food had become more important than health and I knew it would take something drastic to change my eating habits and issues.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the sleeve because I have heard that the results are nearly as good as the RNY but it doesnt have the long term side affects

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?

Well it is possible to have complications or even die. That being said, even most of the people who have had complications say they would still do it all over again to acheive the end results. For me, my weight was only going up, soon to be 400 pounds. It was worth the risk.

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?

They were very supportive before and after.

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

I was out of work for about one and a half weeks. They were supportive also. Very curious and they asked a lot of questions.

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 monday morning which was the day of surgery and I left the hospital early thursday morning. My stay was great. I had pain due to the drain tube but they were on top of the pain anytime I requested. I think it is important to bring comfortable clothing to wear while in the hospital. You will be walking around and it is just more comfortable to do it in your own clothes. I brought a pair of shorts, sweats, and my own night shirt.

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

No

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

In order to stay calm, I just didnt think about it much. However, when I got down there I was nervous. I prayed about it and helped.

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

I did pretty good when I got home. I was tierd and didnt have much energy from not haveing any food, but knowing this I took it easy and didnt do things to wear myself out. This is the time when I had to deal with a lot of 'head hunger', but knowing I took this drastic step helped (and still helps) me to focus and stay focused on what is important. And eating whatever, whenever is not so important anymore.

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

I live in Washington (state) and I traveled to Mexicali Mexico, which is below San Diego, California. It did not affect my aftercare. The plane ride was only about 2 hours and 25 minutes and the plane ride home was a little uncomfortable but that was because I was inbetween 2 people I didnt know. I would suggest for the trip home, either fly first class or have an isle seat.

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 am only 4 weeks out. The first 10 days is clear liquids, broth, jello, juice. The next 10 days were regukar liquids, cream soups and such. The next 10 days are soft and blenderized foods, cottage cheese, yogurt.

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

I didnt do much the 2-3 weeks after surgery. I went back to work about 1 1/2 weeks after but I have a desk job so no activity there. I started walking everyday thoughin the 3rd week when I had more energy. Post op says no vigorous activity for 1 month.

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

I have a protein drink for breakfast and a chewable vitamin.

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?

no side effects yet...

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

hmmm, dont have an answer for this. I dont think any of it was bad.

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

Dont have one yet.

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

My surgey was lap so I only have 5 little scars on the top portion of my stomach.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have had none yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not yet