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

I found out through a friend who had a RNY surgery. She was having great results.

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

I was very fortunate with insurance approval. My husband's Blue Cross didn't give me any problems. I saw the Psychologist and gave documentation showing that I did try several weight loss attempts. The process took about 6 months.

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

The first visit with my Bariatric Surgeon was exciting. He went over what changes all of us would be going through...good and bad. Lifetime dietary changes that would be necessary to keep up with if this surgery was to work. How our new stomach's for RNY would be used as a tool, not a cure all. He showed us the different types of Bariatric Surgeries that can be performed and how they work. He examined each of us individually.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I've been thinking about it for a long time and realized that this is my last resort. I could no longer afford to put any more stress on my body.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since I live almost 2 hours away from my Bariatric Surgeon, I didn't want to have to drive down for the "fills" that are required on the Lap Bands. I also felt I needed a more permanent solution.

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 didn't worry about dying. My feeling was that IF I didn't do something about my weight, I was going to end up with more complications that could lead to death. I felt it was worth the risk.

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 were supportive and I was very lucky with that part as I've heard some people were having a hard time. I really think it's important and plays a BIG part in your success. That certainly wouldn't stear me away from not having the surgery though. If you don't have a support system in line, then still go with having the surgery done. You can find great support here online at ObesityHelp.com. They've been wonderful! Also buy some Bariatric Books. They are a great resource as well.

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

Luckily I work at home. So I was fortunate that I didn't have to deal with taking time off.

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

I stayed for two days in the hospital. The staff were very understanding and were there for me when I needed help. The most important thing to bring is a positive attitude. Since you need to take a shower the day of surgery before you arrive, I just wore the same clothes home. Your in a hospital gown during the time your there. Bring along your essentials...toothbrush, hair brush, deoderant. Although, I didn't even use these items. My hospital did have a goody bag with these items in it.

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

The only complication I had was GAS and BLOATING from the surgery. The only way to get rid of the severe cramping is to slowly walk it off. It did take several days for the GAS to leave my system. And try to remember that the more pain medications you take, the slower this process will be. Pain meds slow your digestive system and all your bodily systems down.

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've only been out of surgery for about two weeks now and I'm feeling good. I have days where I want to run out to McDonalds and grab a Coke, but I get myself busy into reading or doing something else constructive and the feeling passes.

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

You go through alot of emotion the first few weeks. It really hits home that you did it and have made a lifelong committment with changing your lifestyle and eating habits. This is definitely one of the times that I can say is worth looking back to the past and how miserabe I was. How that Coke from McDonalds really didn't make me any happier. Just made me more bloated!

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

I had to travel about 2 hours one way. Since it's so far, I did my first follow-up visit with my local Family Physician. I will see my Bariatric Surgeon in early November.

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 started out of a full liquid diet which last for about two weeks. From there I started on puree foods for another two weeks. I just started this stage. After these two weeks, I will continue on to soft foods for two weeks. If all is tolerated, then I can introduce regular foods back into my eating food groups. I just have to make sure I get enough protein in each day. The Nutritionist sets up how much protein requirements each of us should have according to our weight and other health requirements. All Bariatric patients need to buy Sugar Free food and watch the Carbohydrates. There are several restictions on what you can and cannot have after surgery for the long haul. If any questions, ask your Nutritionist.

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

My activity level has picked up. I am doing some walking and am finding that I'm not out of breath as much as I use to be. And this is with only a 10 pound weight loss!

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

For the rest of my life I will have to take a chewable Adult Vitamin, B-6 Sublingual Vitamin, Calcium Supplement. I'm sure there are several other Vitamins that one can take, but these are the main ones I'll need since my body doesn't absorb all the Vitamins from foods anymore.

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 do get nauseated if I wait to long to eat. So I try and eat 6 small meals a day like I'm supposed too. If I eat too fast, I get pain in my abdomen. I try and take about 20 minutes to eat and chew each bit of food about 30 times. I don't drink any liquids 30 minutes before I eat or during eating. I wait 30 minutes until after I eat so that I feel full for a longer period of time.

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

The GAS and BLOATING after the surgery. I have to say that was most of the pain. But even though it was hard to walk right after the surgery, it was the best thing to do. It helped get everything moving again. It helps push out the air that was put into you during surgery to extend your abdomen for the surgery itself. Best medication for pain for the GAS is WALK as much as possible...even if it's little bits at a time. It will make things go much smoother and really does aid in healing. Plus it burns calories! :)

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

I am two weeks out and just found a local support group. As far as support before the group, I visited ObesityHelp.com and have made friends on here. Also reading my daily e-mails from questions other Baritric patients helps answer any questions. And as always, if I have a real concern, I would call my Baritric Doctor.

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

My surgery was done Laprascopic with 5 incisions that are about 1/2 inch long. I didn't need any drain tubes because the procedure was done this way. The incisions are covered with Steri-Strips and bandages. The bandages are to prevent the incisions from getting wet.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

One of the days I went up two pounds and felt very frustrated. I'm not sure as to why, but by the next day my weight was back down. Maybe I didn't get enough fluids in.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have asked a lot of questions about the surgery in general and what I can and cannot eat.