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

I had, of course seen the TV commercials, but surfing one day I found a personal website, I started researching it then. Nothing else worked. This would "have to work". There is no choice, lifestyle change and stay that way, or die!

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

IBA insurance suck, all they care about id their "bottom line". We finally were able to switch to BCBS CB PPO, I was approved and having surgery 2 months and 1 day after switching to them.

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

Dr. Poplawski is a very straightforward man. He tells you like it is, and no subject is taboo. I'd suggest having a list of questions, leaving room to write answers. Take notes or better yet take someone with you to do that. 2 sets of ears are better than 1.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I honestly felt my time was running out. I had to have this surgery if I wanted to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I apparently don't have much self control, having been 344 pounds at surgery time. And with RNY the behavior modification would be the only thing to work for me, I felt I'd HAVE to make a lifestyle change, no choice!

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 can honestly say at the time of surgery I wasn't afraid or nervous, I was at peace with my decision. NOT having the surgery scared me more! I felt I had a worse chance at living without surgery. A person can get killed crossing a street. I'd rather die trying to live!

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?

They actually were thrilled with my choice. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people.

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

They had positive reactions as well, full support, they even insisted I work from my home, full pay, for 3 months after surgery. They wanted be 100% when I came back.

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

From doctor to nursing staff to housekeeping to dietary. Everyone was very caring, and helpful. I was in hospital 3 days time. The only items I brought were my pillow, slippers, chap stick, and cpap machine. I wore loose clothing that I could wear home.

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

No, none at all. I was totally blessed!

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

At first, tired, then after a few weeks time, my energy picked up. I didn't have any anxieties. I had been preparing for this journey for 3 + years. I was ready! :)

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

I did walk in the house and around the block, a few houses at a time, then gradually the entire block. I also passed the time excersising with the DVD Weigh2Win. I didn't need to use my pain releiver after returning home. So basically I rested, did chores a little at a time, it might have took an hour to dust 1 room, but I got it done, and I was moving! haha As far as foods, full flavor soups were a godsend! I needed tastey! lol

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

We drove a 3 hour drive, it didn't effect my after care at all, my surgeon and nutritionist are avaible by phone. And they were able to make appointments around my schedule.

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 was on a liquid diet from day 1 to day 21, then pureed from day 22 to day 42, the full foods as tolerated by me, after that. Off limit foods were and are; added sugar food items, full fat food items, fried foods. I have been able to tolerate all foods except ham. The only thing that has changed is that sweet things are "tooooo" sweet. And the spicier the food the better I like it. Before surgery it was the oppisite.

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

Increases with each day. From zero to I'd say up 100%. I'm always busy doing something now, moving in some way or another.

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

Since being home from hospital: 2 - One Source PreNatal Vitamins Tablets 2 - Rexall Biotin Tablet 1 - Sonray B-12 Sublingual Tablet 5- Citrical Calcium Citrate Tablets (400 mg each) 2- 60 gram protein drinks a day (the rest thru foods)

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've had 2 dumping episodes due to malitol consumpsion, no malitol for me! Hair loss, none. No more than what is considered normal for anyone, wls patient or not.

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

"Fighting" the IBA insurance, otherwise I've had a great experience from BCBS approving to today.

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

Daily, online email group support is very important to me, It would be very difficult without them. I also attend 2 different monthly support group meetings. I need the accountability factor.

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

5 tiny scars, and yup just what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, only 2 people have mentioned my weightloss and they hadn't seen me for years.