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

My doctors suggested it but said I would have a hard time getting approval. I researched it on the web and decided it was the best choice.

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

My insurance company was very supportive. Their process takes six months of weight loss and meeting with a dietian. They provided me with a counselor and all the help I needed to set my mind in order to suceed. They also set up follow up for three months. It was nice.

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

it was in his office. Very casual but I was afraid I would say something to make him not do the surgery. Be sure to ask all the question you have. This lets the doctor know you have done your homework and researched the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was just time. I was tired of being fat and out of control.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance will only cover the RNY and my cartiologist prefered it.

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 had not fears of surviving the surgery. I was only worried about what people would think of me for having done it. Everyone has been wonderful about it.

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 and shocked how well I have done.

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

My supervisor was very supportive. She is heavy as well and had all kinds of questions about the proceedure. I was off work for 6 weeks.

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

I was in for three days. They had me up walking a few hours after surgery. By the third day I was walking around the hall myself. They kept me on ice chips for one day. Then did a swallow test to make sure the pouch had no leaks. After that I could have water. The second night I had soup. Bring books or puzzles you will get bored.

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

No problems. I was blessed

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

Once I finally had the date I was so worried I would gain weight I lost 7 pounds. If you gain any weight they cancel the surgery!! I was scared but just kept busy so I did not have time to think about it.

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

the food is bland but you are not hungery so it is fine. Find a good protien shake. I like Pure World. It comes premixed. drink very slowly. I took a swig of water with a pill and doubled over in pain. Not fun. Take it slow.

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

It is a little over an hour to my surgeon so I onnly go if I have to. They have told me a couple times I have waited longer to report a problem then I should have. It feels very disconnected. They have a support group but it is too far away.

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 have had some struggles with food. I did not eat salad or really solid food til seven months and even now I have to be very careful. Most meat will make me sick. I drink a lot of milk, eat cottage cheese, and nuts. I had and ulcer, and a couple of strictures. This delayed my eating regular food.

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

By week three I went to my sons and went camping. I have so much more energy it is amazing.

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

I take one multivitiam, calcium, fish oil and Vit B12. My labs have all been good so far. They say my thyroid is starting to act up.

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?

For two months My hair was falling out. I left hair every where. I cried alot. But it stopped at six months. Part of it was figuring out the protien. I had no dumping. I have lots of nausea when I eat meat but have very little vomiting since they fixed the last stricture. Not sure if that is better since I feel sick and would feel better if it would just come back up.

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

The stress of getting approved was terrible. You have to lose weight while you are stressing out. they should find a kinder way to do it. You have to fight insurance, doctors, and practically begg for approval. this is suppose to show you are committed. I think it is just cruel. No other surgery requires this kind of torture. After surgery no one can tell you exactly what to eat since everyone responds differantly. The trial and error is painful.

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

For three months I had a nurse who followed up with me. I also have on call a great staff of support people. Sometimes it is hard to reach them but they are wonderful once I speak to them.

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

I have six very small scars they are fading quickly. The extra wrinkles and skin is a much worse problem.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes People stop to tell me how good I look. They can't believe I have lost so much and am feeling good. They expected me to be sick and ailing as I lost so much weight in such a short time.