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

Through some friends that had it done, and I was very gun shy at first.

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

Be patient! Do everything asked by Dr's office, they know how to get you approved. It is a long process. It took me 10 months.

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

My first visit was very informational. You can get the most out of the meeting by asking any and all questions you have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After doing my research, and going to the seminar, and talking with my family Dr and surgeon, I knew it was the right theing for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research. I liked the RNY success rate.

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?

Because I had no previous co-morbid conditions, my biggest fear was being in the hospital. As silly as that sounds, I had never been in the hospital before. I was afraid of going under anesthesia. Just ask questions, and know that you should be able to trust all the Dr's working with you.

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 all for whatever I wanted to do to become healthy and happy. They have been behind me 100% and I could not have done it without them.

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

My co-workers were also very supportive. They visited me in the hospital and continue to check on me as I am out of work. I will be out for 6-8 weeks.

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

My stay was ok. I was very uncomfortable (of course). The most important things I brought were my own pjs and my cell phone! That way when I had no visitors, I had something to do!

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

No as of now no complications.

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 anxious and excited at first. Actually very calm. Until 2 days before surgery. Nerves were horrible. Didnt sleep for 2 days. Just relax and have faith.

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

It has been very interesting. You should expect tiredness more than soreness. Take your time, rest and dont over do it.

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

My surgery was in town

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 cannot answer this question completely I am only 15 days out. I threw up chicken broth.

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

I am 15 days out and walked 2 miles today. No strenuous activity. Just walking at a steady pace.

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

I take 2 flintstone chewables, 1 sublingual b12 (300mcg), one chewable caltrate, and 2 pepcids every day.

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?

Nausea a couple days after surgery. I was prescribed liquid phenagin

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

The waiting.

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

There is a support group at the hospital that I plan to attend. I have not attended yet (I am only 15 days out). Also the OH has been a great place for me to get my questions answered!

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

My incisions are not very big and are healing nicely. It is taking them a little longer to heal because I had an allergic reaction to the glue they put on them. So there is a rash around each incision.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. Just mostly people, who are happy for me.