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

I first heard about bariatric surgery years ago. My sister and her sister-in-law both had their stomach stapled. I was intrigued and yet scared to death of the idea. The NG tube scared me! However, the thought of surgery had been in the back of my mind for years. Then in the last couple of years, a couple of people I know had surgery and talked to me and told me about the changes. I felt more comfortable with the idea.

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

It did not take long to get my insurance approval. I had my approval within a couple of weeks of my initial consult. I never doubted for a minute I would be approved....looking back I realized how lucky I was.

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

I was very nervous. Dr. Williams put myself and my husband at ease. He calmed any fears we had about the surgery, and to care to explain all possible things that could go wrong and what he does to prevent them from happening.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My children were older and I was tired of my weight. The time was finally right for me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I never really considered anything other than the RNY. If it had to be the banding, than so be it, but I never really considered 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 really did not have any fears of the complications. Dr. Williams explained to me the precautions he takes to prevent them. I would tell others to be aware of the possible complications and ask your surgeon what he does to prevent them. Hearing it from your surgeon is the best way to alleviate any worries.

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?

For the most part, my family and friends were supportive. I had a few who were negative, but I did not let them bring me down. I felt that I had "done my homework" and had made the right decision for me.

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 supportive of my decision and even gave me the name and number of someone she knew who had had the surgery. I was out of work for exactly 1 month.

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

About the only thing that might have been considered a complication, and it probably would have happened after any surgery, was that my asthma acted up. I was given treatments in the hospital and did the breathing exercises they gave me. But, there were no real complications from the sugery.

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 the weeks after I got my surgery date, I was very excited. When I was told at my psych consult that it was reccomende that you try to lose weight beforehand, I agreed to and participated in a study to begin my weight loss journey. I did not really feel nervous or scared until 3 days before surgery. They, it was because my primary doctor said something to me. However, I had the love and support of my husband, mother, sister and many other family members to help me through that period.

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

The first few weeks home from the hospital were good. There was some adjusting to do, but having the time off from work was a big help. It was a time of learning how to eat all over again. Expect the unexpected. Remember that what you once ate, you cannot eat now. Do not push the limits.

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

I traveled about 20 miles to have my surgery. This to me was reasonable. It was somewhat inconvient, but definitely worth it!

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.

At first, I had "random vomiting". In other words, something I tolerated at one meal, I did not tolerate later in the same day. No one food in particular set my pouch off. About the only things I have had to completely avoid have been very greasy foods...in particular fried chicken. Every once in a while, I come across something that does not agree with me. I have never really tried anything high in sugar content and do not plan to. I found out I dump, but believe it was on fat and not sugar. I have found that if I do not tolerate a food now, I may tolerate it at a later date.

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

The support group at Penn is great. There is a "live" meeting once a month and we have an online support group also. I have learned a lot from the many members of these groups.

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

At six months out, my scar is starting to disappear. The scar is bigger than I had expected since I was having a lap RNY, but I found out that what I had is known as a hand assisted lap.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not really had any plateaus yet. I am sure they will come. I am losing weight at a rate of about 10 pounds a month.