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

A coworker had it done many years ago. I was actually envious on one hand and horrified it had "come to that", on the other.

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

It was frustrating. Hopefully, you have a well informed office staff, with a checklist, like I did. Call the insurance company and don't give up.

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

Well, I was set on getting the band and the surgeon implanted doubt, which soon bloomed into a change of plans. He said I would benifit more from Roux En Y because I am diabetic. I wanted to be off all the meds badly. I'm happy to say, since the day of surgery, I've not had any diabetic or blood pressure meds. I asked a lot of questions...write them down. I was very nervous and I know I talked too much but the surgeon was patient and kind.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was so tired of all the negative medical reports. I did it to save my life. My liver enzymes were too high, my A1c's were too high and I didn't like taking blood pressure meds either. I had been working out at the gym with a trainer and it helped but not enough.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor recommended RNY because I'm diabetic. I trusted his decision.

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 was terrified! I did not want to die or have any complications. Four years ago, a surgeon cut a hole in my bladder in a lap procedure. It was not known until three days later...I was in renal failure by that time. I had returned to the E.R. but it was missed and I was sent home. I would not tell anyone about this looking into surgery. It was an accident and a rare event. I was still scared. Once I was ready to go back to surgery, I was fine. I was at peace with my decision but still nervous about the procedure. I woke up after and thought, "I didn't die"!

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...my mom is awesome! Some of my friends, while being supportive of me, did not support the surgery. My husband said he would support my decision either way. It was difficult going against the advice of my friends but I felt like I was fighting for my life, not picking a pair of shoes! They are calmer with it now. I still get a little playful teasing but everyone is basically "on board" at this time.

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

My supervisor had the surgery two years ago, so I had her full support! I was out for two weeks.

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

I had a good stay at the hospital. The nurses encouraged me to walk often. I was in Tuesday thru Thursday. Some people bring a timer because you have to drink every 15 minutes. I did ok without it. It was important to have comfy loose pants and shirts...the gowns are just not comfortable to me. Shower stuff is good, I had one the day after surgery.

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

None at all.

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 did have some anxiety with the "newness" of the routine. Trying to get all the protein drinks in and all the fluids was a challenge but do-able. This website "obesityHelp" was invaluable to me!

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

First day home I said, "what have I done"! I cried a little but then I got a grip and said..."it is what it is". I've been ok since. When I just wanted to get away from food and stop thinking about it all the time, I found myself having to plan and study food constantly. I didn't seem to feel tired amd pain meds were not needed after a couple of days. I stayed busy, got a lot of rest and sipped, sipped, sipped! Mostly, it is different for everyone.

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

I had surgery close to home...same city.

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 am only a month out today. I did fine with the liquid phase and could not wait to eat mush. I have been eating soft protein for two weeks now. I think the nutritionist will let me start on mushy veggies tomorrow. I tolerate cottage cheese, Boca veggie burgers, chicken salad, cheese, beans, Morning Star hot dogs, all baked fish, soups, jello, popsicles and protein drinks. I found pasty foods like blended chicken salad to just drag down and made my stomach feel heavy, yuck. I have had no vomiting, slimeys or foamies I've read about. Off limit foods are all regular foods and carbs for now.

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

My activity level was higher than before surgery. Of course the first days after, I was a little tired and I followed my doctor's advice.

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

I am still on Flintstone vitamins and a daily dose of vitamin D. Of course...protein, at least 60 grams a 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?

So far, no side effects but I'm only a month out from surgery.

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

Retraining myself to stop wanting large amounts of foods or snacks.

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

This site is the best support group I have. It has been very helpful and saved me many calls to my doctors office.

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

It's not a bad group of scars. They will fade given time. It's better than what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus but so far they have only lasted a week or less.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely! Some people are very different. My friends that have weight problems tend to shy away from the topic of weight loss or they make comments like, "I'm so fat". It's like I'm suddenly the fat patrol. Thinner people tend to be very curious, ask questions and compliment me a lot. Strangers look at me and smile more. Also, they tend to be more friendly. To be honest, it's like I lost a special club membership with the overweight group. Maybe it's the "misery loves company" club? My Mom is very supportive and truely amazed by my progress.