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

My gastro dr suggested (twice) that I have the WLS surgery -- I really thought I would not survive the surgery because I felt out of control. Initially contacting NuWeigh I was told that my insurance co. had written bariatric surgery out of my insurance policy. When my gastro dr asked a second time about scheduling the surgery, I was ready to "dog" the system. I absolutely felt like I had no life.

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

My surgeon requested pertinent medical records from my primary care dr and from the gastro dr referring me. I could not schedule an appt with the surgeon until he reviewed my records and wrote a letter to my ins. co.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was excellent. He was a most capable dr and answered all my questions and also acknowledged other questions that may have come up with other patients. I think people can get the most out of their meeting with the surgeon by writing down questions ahead of time -- go over and over the list before your appt.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had no life living as heavy as I was and felt I had nothing to lose by having WLS surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon told me which procedure I was qualified to receive -- LAP RNY

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?

Of course we all have the fear of dying but I had felt so bad for so long and could not get around well enough to want to continue life heavy. I prayed, asking God to block the surgery if it was not in His will for me to have 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 friends and family were worried about the surgery and any complications. They were all supportive after the surgery but still concerned for my health. I actually did better than I thought in recovering from the surgery -- it was no picnic but I was not nearly as sore as I thought I would be. I was surprised.

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

I did not like the "quad" room I was placed in -- I was told I would get a private room. With 4 women in one larger room, it was noisy. I felt like I had been placed in a closet but made the best of the situation. I was in the hospital for 6 days.

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

No complications. The dr did check me for a blockage as I just was not hungry but all was fine.

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 felt better than I thought I would. The anxiety I felt came as a result of realizing that I would no longer have the relationship with food as I had before the surgery. This is a normal process of grieving a "loss" and once you are passed the grieving period (depressed period), you can go on.

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

The first few weeks were halting. I would suggest taking it easy, resting as much as possible. I think the body knows when a major event has occurred (such as surgery) and it is best to listen to your body and take it easy.

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

I traveled about 30 miles to have my surgery at the hospital. I visited with my surgeon about 10 days after surgery -- did not affect my aftercare.

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 pretty much on a soft, soup diet for about 3 months. Then I began to eat without feeling the stabbing "pain" I felt behind my heart (where my new stomach is). The main goal is to become familiar with the way your body feels and reacts to food. It is a new sensation, this new stomach. People must give themselves times to adapt to what has changed in their body with this surgery.

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

Not fantastic but I could get about and as I began to lose some weight, I could tell the difference in my movements.

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

Flintstones 1 day vitamins with Iron. After 2 months I started taking a monthly B12 shot. Am getting better with drinking the liquid protein -- could not do the milk for a long time but I can tolerate skim milk now.

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?

All -- nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbance, dumping and hair loss -- one never adjusts to these feelings or lack of sleep. Now that I can eat a little more than before I am hoping all will settle and my hair will stay on my head with the addition of protein drinks.

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

Learning to re-train your mind -- the body was repaired to do it's job of taking in less food -- but the MIND is something that has to be dealt with and sometimes that can be hard.

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

I really used this site for questions, support from others. I could have attended a monthly support group but did not.

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

My scars (6 for RNY and 1 for hernia) are faint and small. Very much like the gall bladder lap surgery I had years ago.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, a definite difference. I also notice that I am being noticed by men anmd women -- I haven't "been noticed" in many years and it feels great!