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

I work at a hospital, so the information was available. My initial impression I think was not very positive because I knew several people that had had it done several years ago, but were not very sucessful in long term wt loss. They did not have the RNY though.

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 problems with insurance approval because of two things I think. The first thing was I had a top notch office that knew just what was needed, when, and also the fact that my surgeon was in my approved network. From my preop visit to my schd surgery date was only about 6 weeks.

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 a breeze, but I knew him and his office staff personally. I had also done alot of research on RNY prior to making the decision to go ahead. The most important thing I can suggest to get the most out of your first visit I think would be. Be educated, research as much as you can prior too. Be prepared, have all your questions and concerns written out before you get there. Be honest, if there are under lying issues ther're gonna find them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Desperation!! I also had a great deal of respect and trust for my surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Alot of research, online as well as talking to people that have been through it.

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 probably had all the normal fears about complications, but I also had a very strong support group of family and friends. I think that having a strong support group is the most important thing to have going into this.

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?

Once again my support group was outstanding!! Before and after surgery!! Of course Mom and Dad were worked up, but what parent wouldn't be. They stood right beside me as did my husband.

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

Once again, very supportive. Everyone knew how miserable I was and how ready I really was to do this. I was only out of work for 3 weeks, that includes the 6 days I spent in the hospital postop. This is not typical, but due to financial situations and the fact that I had a desk job it was sufficent for me.

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

My stay was fairly normal, except for the fact that I was dependent on my c-pap for sleep apnea and with the NG tube couldn't use it. So didn't sleep much once the anesthesia wore off. I was inpatient 6dys. The most important thing for me to bring was my mom and my music. I listened to alot of very relaxing music. My husband made me great mixes of my favorites, so when his mother died unexpectantly when I was only postop 3 days, he had to leave town. The music and my mom were the only things that got me through.

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

My complications consisted of alot of nauea and vomiting for almost two years. I am now 3 years post op and still have quite alot of nausea. Because of the vomiting my teeth have rotted and I am in the process of very extensive dental work. Already had 8 pulled in last year. I am also extremly anemic. (Hemoglobin 7.2) Having a hard time pulling up. I have also delt with extreme chest pain for over 6 months. Had a complete cardiac and pulmonary work up, including heart cath(which fortunatly showed nothing) but no answers as to why so much pain and fatigue.

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 only had to wait 2 weeks for my surgery date.!!!!!! I was totally comfortable with my decision and didn't have much anxiety.

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

This was my first major surgery so didn't know quite what to expect. I was actually very pleased with how well the initial postoperative recovery went. It's been the long term that's been the problem.

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

Only 5 miles!!! We have a local General Surgeon that specializes in Gastric Bypass. How lucky was I!!!

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.

My surgeon had me on solid foods by the time I went home from the hospital. None of this 6 weeks clear liquids. I stuck to soft foods for the next couple of weeks(ie:applesauce,yogart,mashed potatoes) 2 bites at a time. I then added very simple things one at a time. No meat tolerance at all for almost 4 months. Still can't tolerate anything fried. I am also extremly lactose intolerant. No more ice cream, milk, ranch dressing etc. All that really bad stuff anyway. I gradualy went from two bites at a time to 4 bites at a time to 6 etc. It was very slow for me because I was paranoid. I vomited alot. I can now tolerate most of a Lean Cuisine meal. I have mostly cut out breads and fillers because of the lack of nutrients. I try to stick to higher protien and fruits and veggies.

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

I am 3 years postop and very sorry to say I have not taken very good care of myself. I just started an iron regimine because my hemoglobin is down to 7.2. Calcium is next.

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?

I am 3 yrs post op and still deal with a great deal of nausea. Vomiting subsided after 2 yrs. I still deal with dumping and sleep disturbances also. As far as the nausea, I've just accepted that it's going to be a part of my life. I do find that if I walk after a meal I don't usually get the nausea as bad.

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

Probably the worst part for me was the NG tube.

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

I really didn't have any aftercare support group. I had a great circle of friends and family.

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

My scar goes from breast bone to belly button and is kind of thick. Kinda looks like a snake. Has faded greatly, but still no chance of a bikini.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateaus never lasted long. I dropped my 1st 100lbs in about 9 months and still kept losing. With a total wt loss of 130 lbs (a whole me)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutley! It's kind of sad. I have men and women notice me now that never payed any attention to me before wls.