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

I found about it on the internet and researched it for an entire year before I even considered it for my self

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

I had Medicaid and got it approved within a few weeks. They will pay if it is medically necessary. Be Patient.

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

My surgeon was great. He was there to answer all questions. I did not have many because most of mine was explained at the Seminar that was required before surgery. Plus I researched this surgery a year before.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I had tried everything else.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap Band I knew would not work for me nor be successful. I was going to check into that initially but felt the RNY was the best and most surest route to take.

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?

Well, I have had 2 c-sections, a hysterectomy, and gall bladder surgery so I was not afraid of the surgery itself. I just tried not to think about it, and knew I was in capable hands with my surgeon. Talk with your surgeon and family.

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 with me all through the process. Very supportive.

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

N/A

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

MY stay was ok. I was very sick the first day after surgery, and couldn't seem to get my pain meds and anti nausea medicines to work together. I feel it was only because I was so sick, I was afraid to use anything in fear of making it worse. But I gritted my teeth and did was needed. I went in on the 14th and out on the 16th. You really only need to bring something to wear when you leave. No time for me to read or do anything else. The staff was wonderful.

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

No.

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 VERY excited at first, but as the date got closer I kept asking myself if I was really ready for this drastic change in my life. I wasn't afraid of the surgery itself because I have had surgeries before, I was more concerned about the life altering changes as far as food was concerned. I just talked it out with my family.

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

Well, you have to be prepared to drinks LOTS of fluids, some nausea, low energy. It gets better with each day.

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

20 Miles.

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 have had no problems with food thus far. But I hear sugar is off limits because it will cause dumping. I make sure I am low carbs, low fat, and sugar free.

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

I am increasing exercise.

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

B-1, B-12, Biotine, Multivitamin with iron , Protein drinks.

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?

nausea is the worst for me, but I know if I drink too fast or eat too fast it will happen. It is more about conditioning yourself. I am sure there are foods out there people can't eat that they were able to eat before surgery.

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

The First day after.

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

I have support group meetings I will attend each month, plus a great family support system! My family is there for me and helps me along the way each day.

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

Yes. It is five small scars and a bigger one where the drain was. They will fade because I had the same type of scars when I had my gall bladder taken out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am just now having one at 265. I am not going to weigh until next month so I will not get depressed. I feel I need more water, exercise and food to speed up my metabolism.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.