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

I had wanted this surgery for a long time but my husband was very against it. Finally my health was becoming an issue and the surgery was the last resort.

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

I had no trouble getting approval.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon went well. He explained the surgery, told me of some risks. Was informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was going downhill and my breathing was very bad.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Was never any question on which procedure to have.

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

I had complications prior to surgery and used up sick leave. I was forced to resign from my job.

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

I was in the hospital for 7 days. I had an open RNY. The stay itself was not the most pleasant experience. I did not have trouble with the nurses, but the aides were anything but considerate.

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

There were no complications until I came home. My incision opened up and a nurse came out twice a day to pack and clean the wound. I did not deal with it very well for about a month. I finally was able to get over it and go on. The home care was great.

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 had alot of anxiety and did not cope very well. I did alot of crying and alot of regretful thinking. It took me about 6 weeks to really get back to normal. No regrets now

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

I found a support group that I have just started going to. I have only gone to one meeting so far so I cant really answer this question.

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

My scar is big since it was an open RNY. I did expect it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The weight loss has slowed way down now. (6 months post op) I have been bouncing between 98-100 lbs for a couple weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No