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

My experience was awesome with my insurance. It took less than a week before I was approved. It took only one letter from Dr. Maguire and a simple one page note from my PCP here in Maryland.

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

Dr. Maguire really cares about the people he helps. His staff is incredible. There are several pepole that work for him in his office, that he has performed WLS on. They all are healthy and happy. Dr. Maguire is very kind and caring.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't lose another decade of my life. completely missed my 20's. I'm going to be 32 this year. I didn't want to miss another 10 years of my life. I was having so many problem health wise. I just couldn't take anymore.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would only cover the RNY. That was OK with me because, that was the only procedure I was comfortable with.

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 WLS I had nver been inder the knife at all for anything. So I think it's only natural to be somewhat nervous and scared. as for all of here on this website, we have dealt with being over weight for a long time. So if you make the decision to follow this path, just keep a positive attitude about the surgery and recovery and do exactly as your surgeon and support staff tell you. Now I had problem with my kidneys pre-op, so I was used to a lot of very bad pain. The pain from having an open RNY wasn't even in the same neighborhood of pain as kidney stones and other kidney related pain. My surgery and recovery was great. I DO NOT regret this at all.

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 parent were over joyed, that I finally was going to do something about my obesity. Although like any parent, they were nervous and scared for me. All of my friends and family have been very supportive and proud of me. That make it that much sweeter.

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

Apart from some politacal bull crap my employer over all was great. I had short term disiblity, so I got paid while was off work. I was out for 7.5 to 8 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was great. No complaints. I was in 4 days. I had family bring me magazines. I had TV. Bring PJ, underware, house shoes, robe.

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

I had an hematoma in the bottom of my incision. They opened it and drained it. I had to pack it for 3 to 4 weeks. It wasn't very deep. It wasn't painful 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 fealt great. I recopooped at my parents house and they live in the country and their driveway is about 350 yards one way. I would walk that several times a day. My energy level wasn't very high, but I managed. when we got all of that snow in Dec. I was out plowing the snow off of the driveway on the John Deer. As for any anxiety i didn't have any. I knew, what I had to do and I did it. I knew that this was my last chance to lose the weight.

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

Obviously a little soar. Not very moble. For me since I had a hard time wiping myself after a BM before surgery and I had an open RNY I couldn't do that. If I had a BM, my dad had to clean me up. That went on for about 3 to 4 weeks. Then I was able to clean myself. Gettting in and out of bed wasn't that bad. Roll onto the side that faces the beds exit. Then slowly work your way up until your sitting. Just take it slow.

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

I traveled about 45 min. after I was discharged from the hospital. It wasn't bad at all. My dad had a truck so it was pretty easy getting in and out. After about a week or so I would go on erands with my mom or dad. Just to get out of the house. It was ok.

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 able to eat turkey at Thanksgiving. I was able to eat chicken breast meat, oatmeal, turkey breast meat, peas, green beans, cream based soups, crystal lite, which by the way I can't stand anymore. I followed Dr. Maguire rules and the dieticians plan. I stay away from alcohol, red meat, lettuce, hard fruits and veggies, any string foods.

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

I walked just about every day unless I was to tired. I would visit other family and friends, just to get out of the house.

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

I take a children chewable all purpose vitimin every day. As well as the following. 1000mg of B12 with foli acid, 2000mg of calcium chewables(VIACTIV), 500mg of vitimin 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 had about 8 days of nausia at about 4 weeks out. No other side affects.

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

Keeping up with fluid intake. That's all.

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

Well I haven't been able to find a support group here in Maryland where I live. I have a friend in Nashville, that had an RNY 2 weeks before me, so we talk all of the time.

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

My scar has shrank in lenth since my belly has gotten smaller. It's healing nicely. I may have to have a cortizone shot in the top part because of scar tissue. I won't find that out until 5/1/03 during my next check-up. It is was I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

From the weekend of 3/22/03 to 4/25/03 I only lost 21 pounds. I have been losing about 27 to 29 pounds per month. That's really the only plateau I've experienced so far. I am just over 5 month post-op and I have lost 114 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just alittle. Not really noticble yet.