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

My diabetes doctor more or less told me that the surgery was was my last hope of living a longer life. He told me I could have a heart attack at any time,carrying all that weight. My first reaction to him was that I will take that chance of dying fat than on the operating table. I only knew of the negative details of the surgery until I researched it myself, and talked to people who either had it done or knew someone who did. Knowing both pros and cons really changed my mind, that I could have a chance to live a longer life.

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

I had no trouble with BCBS paying. I had medicaid as a secondary and they were undecided at first and made me be evaluated again by the medical team. After my second evaluation they also paid. I would tell everyone don't give up if you are denied by the insurance company, to work with your medical team and appeal as many times as you can.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After hearing the doctor say the surgery was my last hope of living a longer life and hitting the all time high on the scale. I did all the research I could to help me decide whether I should take the chance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the RNY because of the research and the people I talked to who had it done. It seemed to be the most popular and successful.

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?

Before I researched the surgery, I had fear of not making it through the surgery or dying after from complications. I got mixed opinions from family and friends but it had to be my decision in the end. I would tell anyone who is thinking about having the surgery to read the books and talk to people who have it done and think through both pros and cons.

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 really wasn't much support, they really were not open about the subject with me. My friends and co-workers were the most support I had. Until this day they help guide me through my new eating lifestyle.

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

I told my supervisors and director that I had to take a medical leave to have the surgery done. I was out of work just about 3 months because I had to be able to lift 50lbs to return to work. I actually returned at that time because there is a no lift policy anyway so I knew I wouldn't be in any danger.

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

My hospital stay was pleasant. The staff was very caring. I stayed in for 3 days.

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

I had a stricture about a month out of surgery. It was when I first started to go back on solid foods when I found out. I waited top long to find out that something was wrong. I was vomitting a lot and wasn't able to anything including liquids down. By the time I called my surgeon, I was dehydrated so they had to treat for that along with fixing the stricture.

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 was excited about going in when I found out but then got a little nervous the night before the surgery. I was able to talk with my friends about it.

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

I really had a good recovery. I didn't have much pain and only took pain medication the first 2 nights at home. I slept on the couch because it was the closer to the bathroom.

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

I am still taking all my vitamins a year out of surgery. I take multi vitamin, b-12, calcium chew, iron w/ vitamin c.

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 think the vomitting was the worse for me. It was the worse before I realized I had the stricture and cleared up when they fixed it. On occasion I vomitted after the stricture was fixed.

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

I would have to say the worst part of the surgery was when they took the drain tube out. I found out after from the surgeon that they put it when you are lying down so it should be taken out laying down.