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

I had heard about it over the years, but it wasn't until a friend had the surgery a year ago that I started to pay attention. I was pretty impressed with what she accomplished and wanted that for myself.

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

It went very smoothly. The insurance company was easy to work with. Make sure that you have everything that the physician's office tells you that you will need. If you make sure that everything is in order then it just goes better.

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

My first visit with the surgeon's office was impressive. Everything was coordinated and I've never been in a doctor's office before where everything ran on time. The surgeon was very nice. He answered all of my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went into that visit with the doctor knowing that if I qualified for the surgery that that was what I wanted to do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

We discussed the lap RNY procedure with the possibility of the open if necessary. I was all for that.

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 felt very comfortable having the surgery. I was nervous, but never really afraid. Feel comfortable with the program you chose as well as the physician. Find out as much as you can before hand about the surgery, the postoperative phase and your physician.

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 very supportive and helpful before and after surgery. They have watched me struggle for many years and realized that this way was what I wanted to do.

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

Don't bring anything more than a robe, slippers, and a toothbrush. I stayed in hospital gowns because they were more comfortable and the hospital really did furnish everything I needed. The hospital stay was good. The staff took excellent care of me. I had surgery on Wednesday morning and came home on Friday at lunchtime.

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

Not from surgery, but, I did have fluid overload afterwards. I ended up going to my local ER on Saturday morning and being treated with a diuretic and after that everything went smoothly.

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

It's been 3 weeks so far and I feel wonderful. I can't believe how good I do feel. I have more energy than every before. I have lost almost 25 pounds and can already see it on myself.

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

Every person is different of course, but, by the following Tuesday after surgery the Wednesday before I felt really good. I was doing light cleaning and driving.

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

The University of Virginia is approximately 45 minutes away. I used to work there and travelled the same route every day for 13 years. It doesn't seem so far away. Added to that the local hospital where I now work has great care and I would never worry that I would ever be in need.

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.

Right now I am only on Phase 3 which I started this week. So far everything is great. I've had no real problems with dumping or nausea. I'm enjoying being able to finally eat.

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

Started walking at least a mile a day in the 2ond week after surgery. I now walk 1-1 1/2 miles twice a day at least 4 days a week. I try to walk every day, but don't always accomplish that.

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

Taking a multivitamin every day. Other than my regular medications the only other thing I take is a stool softner.

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 problems except for indigestion which I used TUMS for. That did help alot. I also seem to be having a mild problem with constipation in spite of the stool softner.

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

There really wasn't a worst part about the surgery. I had little or no pain afterwards, in fact, I only used Advil at home.

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

None right now. But, I have several friends that have had the same surgery and have been very supportive. It has been so helpful and they have become important in my recovery.

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

I have 6 small incisions and they are exactly what I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, everyone is very nice and caring about how I'm feeling. They are pleased that everything has gone so well.