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

The first time I heard about it was a lady I babysat for had it. I was like 12 years old then so this was in the early 70's. She lost a LOT of weight. I was surprised that people had an operation to lose weight but I was a kid... was not sure how to think of it I guess.

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

I am currently waiting for approval. I was told it is usally done in 10 to 14 days so hopefully soon. This is April 10, 2005 so perhaps I will know soon and have surgery by next month.

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

It was ok, the office was crowded. The staff seemed hurried but friendly. The waiting was long. The Dr and her interns answered all questions and explained the surgery in every detail. (Almost scared me out of it). I do not see her again now until I have insurance approval and preop tests are complete. I suggest taking a notebook and take notes. Also write down all questions prior to going, once there you tend to feel nervous and forget stuff you want to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Feeling like there is no other way. I have tried it all... lost and gained more weight than I can remember and it always comes back with more... I want to be HEALTHY!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the band because less things can happen post surgery BUT when it was pointed out that you also have less weight loss, more chance of regaining etc.. I decided do the one that will helpme for the longest amount of time. Since they are all just different ools I opted for the best tool... in my opinion RNY. Ihope my INSpays for LAP..have not been told yet.

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 fear this surgery EVERY day... BUT I also fear NOT having it. I mean if i dont I may live longer than if something went wrong BUT what quality is my life at this rate? I think it is normal to fear it, I think if you have no fears then I would be more worried about that. Facing possible complications is just scary no matter what.

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 is not really thrilled about it. They say if I feel I have to do it then they hope I am ok and they will pray for me but thats about the best reaction I will get. I am waiting for surgery still so can't relate to post op support.

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

I am not employed BUT I am hoping and praying I will become healthy enough after surgery to go back to school and work soon. i want to be a lab tech in a hospital :)

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

Stay was better than expected. Staff seemed to care. Liquid diet was AWFUL.. salty broth, over dyed jello. Would not ingest ANY of it. Had to have good stuff brought in. Propel, Good sugar free jello, tea, broth etc... I was there 4 days with open RNY. I took nighties, slippers and toiletries however didn't really need it. Hosp provided stuff and I felt to icky to care what brand toothpaste I was using or what my gown looked like :)

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

None really.

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 nervous, scared, anxious, happy and terrified. I used xanax to deal with it and did a lot of talking to family and significant other.

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

Wow, I was grumpy. I ached and hurt a lot since mine was open and not lap style. I could'nt lay down or get up... I had to have help to get up and laying down was impossible. I just reclined for 2 weeks. I was nausieted a LOT, felt like no one understood what I was going through and I worried about every little pain and thought maybe it was something worse. I worried about blood clots and leaks til I thought I would lose my mind.

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

100+ miles to Atlanta. All the driving back and forth stunk but has been worth it. The office makes getting apointments tough since they have soooo many rules with new referals EVERY time I need to se my surgeon etc...

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.

First several weeks was liquids then pureed foods. Tasted awful and made me not want anything at all. Now I am pretty much back to any foods BUT I cannot tollerate anything breaded, sweet or fried. I am 6 months out at this point.

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

VERY limited. Having open RNY made me almost imoble for 2 weeks at least.

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

I take 2 Viactive Calcium chews daily, 1 chewable centrum, 2 magnisum tablets, 1 Vit C chewable and a B12 shot once a month.

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, hair loss are the worst. I am at 6 months out and thin hair.. need more zinc and protien. Nausea comes and goes but is real bad if I eat things I should not. Nausea and severe cramping.

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

FEAR plain and simple... the rest is cake :) So try try try not to be afraid... it will all work out any ways. There is a plan for all of us.

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

The only aftercare I have is talking to family/friends. It sucks. I wish I lived in an area where I could join a support group of others on my same journey. It would mean so so so much. If you can find one in your area GO!

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

Much nicer than I thought. Thinner, lighter etc. I am impressed with my surgeons work :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight plateaus SUCK... suddenly you stop losing no matter what you do... can only wait it out and hope it goes faster.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

a LOT different. No more fat jokes... no more laughing and smirking at me.. and I still have 50 pounds to go. It is nice NOT being the center of everyones attention no matter where I am.