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

My first impression of weight loss surgery was fear, and amazement, how can something like that solve a lifetime of problems, I originally thought it was an easy out, until researching and reading about the procedure and the commitment to it.

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

My doctor's office was wonderful, they did everything for me, ask questions and call the insurance company often.

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

My first visit with Dr. Koren was great, he explained everything about the surgery in detail, asked me what questuions I have and answered everyone of them, Be prepared with questions and take notes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not lose a pound and could not stand feeling triple my age.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided and explained to me why the lap rny was best for me.

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?

Keep a positive attitude and follow the directions of your doctor to a tee.

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 worried because this is major surgery, but overall they supported my choice. After surgery the support has been wonderful.

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

My hospital stay was as best as could be, surgery is painful you are not in the mood for company or even tv, just rest and walk. You will need your toothbrush, brush, nightgown, robe, glasses, chap stick, and slippers, I was in for 4 days, Easton Hospital was great.

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

No, I did fine, I listened to everything I was told, walk, walk and more walking, it hurts but you get stronger faster.

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 terrified, but kept trying to think positively, I spoke to my husband and prepared a living will and power of attorney.

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

I felt like a truck hit me, but I wasn't drinking enough, you should expect to be achy and tired not in pain just achy. Don't expect to keep the house great or have great meals, your family will make it.

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

Easton Hospital is about 40 miles for us, the aftercare has been hard because we have had a rough winter so I have not been able to go as often, but I keep in touch with Dr. Koren through Mandy his nurse.

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.

In the first month after surgery I was eating pureed foods, that were not appetizing to me so I stayed with eggs, yogurt and cheese, Now at almost 3 months I eat a variey of foods, but have problems tolerating any meats ofr fish, so I am getting good at being creative with proteins and veggies to balance my diet. It is strange that what can be tolerated one day cannot be tolerated the next so I always keep the old standbys ready, yogurt, cheese and soups. It is getting better all the time.

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

The first two weeks I was so tired all the time I hated it but gradulally I felt stronger and now at almost 3 months my energy has increased so much that I am getting up earlier and going to bed later while being on the go all day long.

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

I take one multi vitamin daily, and try to make good food choices. Plenty of protein and veggies, and stay away from startches most of the time.

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?

Coming up on 3 months, I still have nausea, but I know I have to drink and eat not to be hospitalized for dehydration so I wait until it passes ans then eat something easy to digest or a safe food and drink as much as possible.

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

The life change, it is so difficult in the begiining because you cannot go out and eat "normal" foods. So much about socializing revolves around food, it is very difficult especially when you have the nausea, I never know when oor what will be rejected so my first thought is where is the bathroom in case I have to vomit. I am glad I had this done but it is not easy, worth it though.

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

I have a busy life, my support was my family and Dr. Koren and Mandy, unfortunately I could not get to the support groups but I think this was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

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

The scar is tiny, and fading, I expected worse, this is nothing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am hitting one right now, but I know it will pass, so I keep on my diet, low carb, high protein, no refined sugar and limited white flour, and soon I will be losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely, I am not getting glances when I walk into a store like I am a freak, now I fit in and I still have a long way to go.