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

People at work have had it done, but did not think it was for me. But my PCP and specialist started recommending it for me to help me control my diabetes.

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

Mine was fairly easy, since my insurance plan covers if medically nec.

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

It occurred after attending his seminar. It was rather short and I did not have alot of questions since I did a lot or research prior. Do your research ahead of time, to make sure you make the right choice for yourself.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did not want to start taking insulin shots, which my specialist said would be next since oral meds were not controlling my diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My specialist told me that the RNY was best option for cure to my diabetes.

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 after going thru all the upfront testing to make sure I was a good candidate for the surgery.

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. In fact my brother had recommended I check it out even before my drs.

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

Employer was fine. Covered under FMLA and did not feel I needed to keep it a secret.

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

Hospital stay was great. The staff was very attentive and helpful. Surgery was around noon on Monday and I went home Tuesday evening around 7 pm.

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

No complications

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, but kept busy by the final pre-op appts. It went by really fast, as my surgery date was just 2 weeks after I found out the date.

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

There will be some pain, managed by meds. You will feel easily tired and should rest in between walking around to get rid of the gas pumped into you during surgery. I recommend having your supplies purchase ahead of time, so you won't need to worry about getting out of the house those first few days.

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

Hospital was 20 mins away from home.

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 realized real quick that I had become lactose intolerate. Had to change from milk to water for my protein drink mixes. I went thru liquid stage for 2 weeks, mushy the next 2, and then maintenance. Seafood is the easiest for me then and now. Chicken is hit and miss, even still at 6 mos. Ground beef is okay, rare steak is okay (but only about 4 to 5 bitet) and pork chops are still off limit. I eat a lot of string cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt. Still have protein drinks, too.

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

Walking is main activity and I use a mini-stepper. I have just recently tried doing exercises since 3 mos following surgery I had another surgery to remove appendix. I find situps the most difficult. Leg lifts not too bad, but working up to doing more.

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

I am on supplements for calcium, iron, b12 and multi-vitamin. I also take biotin and vitamin E.

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?

Hair loss at about 4 mos and has slowed considerably now at 6 mos. I knew it would happen, so I just dealt with it. Cut my hair shorter. I've only had 3 cases of vomiting and it was from eating too fast. Nausea was due to the milk, and stopped when I figured it out.

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

The waiting once you make the decision to go for it.

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

My surgeon has a monthly group support meeting for his patients and he attends them all, along with his assistant surgeon. I also attend a local group of patients of diff surgeons once a month. Some are investigating the surgery, others are awaiting approval and the rest are post-ops.

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

Mine was lap, so I have 5 inch long scars across my middle and one just under my breast bone. They go nicely with the 4 others from my gallbladder surgery and then the 4 from my appendix. I imagine some will be removed when I have my plastics.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It seems after the first 2 mos, I have a plateau at least every month. I only weigh myself once a week. I don't stress, we will all lose weight differently. Sometimes I may not loose, but drop inches and sizes.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am not really sure. People at work are very supportive and do give praise at how good I've done.