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

I have known about bariatric surgery for a long time. I originally thought "that is drastic" but as time went on I realized that this is a tool that some people turn too when they have exhausted all other means. This is their last was out of "Fatsville". My best friend had this surgery two years before I did so I seen the change in attitude, energy, appearance and her life and thought I want that too. She is happy healthy and looks wonderful!

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

My insurance took the full 30days to get me my decision. I recommends that you keep updated on the status of your claim call twice weekly and always as for a name, write down the time and date of the call and a breif description of what was said.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was excellent there was not alot to do since he did not need to do much teaching due to my two years of reasearch and my medical backround. He was honest and told me exactly what he expected of me and wanted to know what I expected of him. To get the most out of your initial meeting take a note book with questions and write questions down as you think of them even if you are talking with the doctor as you think of it jot it down. "The question that is DUMB is the one you DID NOT ask"

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I could not take the joint pain anymore.....it was affecting my life and my work.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided RNY because it is the safest and has the best long term outcomes.

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 fears of breaking my incision open because I had done that in the past. I also had a fear of a pulmonary embolus. The fears I had are very real and CAN happen. The best was to avoid these problems is proper body mechanics getting in and out of bed, good nutrition and plenty of walking.

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 friends and family were supportive. My family after my surgery was ALOT less supportive then I thought they would be but thank god for friends (thanks Amy)

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

My employer just had the same surgery two weeks before me after she found out I was gonna do it she jumped on the train too! I was out of work 2 weeks and 4 days.

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

My hospital stay for the most part of excellent. Although I did have one problem and that was my second night in ICU a nurse who usually worked out on the floor was working in the ICU because of staffing problems. SHE HAD NO CLUE WHAT SHE WAS DOING. As a nurse myself I could see her lack of skill and told her to leave my room and not come back. This hospital was small and the only other nurse who could take care of me was the charge nurse and she was taking care of a severely infected patient therefore she overseen my care but could not give me direct care unless I absolutely needed it.....thank god I didn't. The next day the nursing director came and talked to me about what my complaints were I told her and she assured me that that nurse would NOT take care of me again.

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

Yes my pulse ox would drop into the low 80's when I was off oxygen they are normalled suppose to be 95-100%. So I was on oxygen longer and had to have some breathing treatments but other then that I was fine.

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 fell great I am two weeks post op today I have some mild muscular pain around my incision but no terrible pain to speak of. I was scared coming home but I did well and each day was better then the next.

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

The first week you are home you focus on your eating, drinking, walking and sleeping. After that you kinda fall back into your routine. At least I did!!

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

I went 2+ hours from home. The first follow up appointment was one week and two days post op which was kind of a pain because I had to find someone to drive me but other then that it will be fine from here on out!

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.

The first week was mostly liquids but after that I started on soft foods and added some Crystal Light lemonade......which by the way is mmmm mmm mmmm when it is hot!

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

The days following surgery my activity was gradual.....and at two weeks post op my activity level is the same as pre op!

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

I take two chewable vitamins twice a day and drink a Slim Fast drink twice daily for protein.

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 had no side effects in fact I think I am getting more protein now then before surgery and I am losing LESS hair! LOL

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

THE DAY OF SURGERY AND THE FIRST POST OP DAY!! But it really does get better each day.

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

I have friends who have had this surgery so they are my support program. I can always talk to them hear their experiences.....thank god or I would be calling that poor doctor's office all the time with questions!

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

My scar was completely healed at 2 1/2 weeks post op. There was a pocket of fluid under the last 1/3 of my incision that kinda started weeping but it was clear yellow no infection and has since closed back up. My doctor used "super glue" and steri strips post op and my incision is red but basically pretty smooth and flat.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 5 weeks post op and I expected to be at -50lbs but I am only at -37lbs. My doctor thinks it may be my first plateau and to increase activity and count my calories and I should be back to loosing in no time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No I have not noticed any difference yet but then again I am only -49lbs now but people that see me often have commented that they are starting to see the weight loss in my face and clothes.