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

I am a nurse and was always aware of it, but just never considered it for myself. I thought it was for people much bigger than me or people that were older and who just could not lose weight. Even for the 2 years I attempted to talk my mom into it, I never considered it for me. I have always been impressed with it.

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

I can't offer any advice because my ins provider, tricare prime, which is military is very easy to get approval with, and only took 2 days =)

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

I loved Dr. Lord. He is very confident and educated. He explained everything, and took the time he needed to with me. You can get the most out of this by asking questions, and asking about the surgeons complication rate. Also look into testimonials, and if someone is unfavorable, ask the Dr. about it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing my mom's success with it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My ins covers only the RNY. Lap-Band was never a favorable surgery to me... not appropriate for me. I would have investigated the DS more, however, after speaking with the surgeon I had, I would have and did decide to have the 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?

I would tell others that having fears or nerves is very normal. I had nerves when I first started looking into it. I never feared death so to speak, because I am secure in where I would be going. I was afraid of becomming an invalid. However, the closer surgery came I had no nerves at all. I could not believe it. Even getting onto the operating table, I was excited and joking with the staff.

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 mom had surgery and she was very happy for me. I asked my dad about me having surgery before he died and he said to do what ever makes me happy... just don't wait until I am 60 like my mom did. I waited in telling my siblings because they were not supportive at first of my mom having it. When I told them they were supportive with me for the most part. One kept asking, "Are you sure this is what you want? It is a big change."

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

She was happy for me and offered to help me get into a training schedule. I have been out of work just over 3 weeks.

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

The wing I was on was great. Many of the nurses had the surgery done and they were very compassionate and knowledgable. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and 2 nights. The most important thing I brought was my own pjs and toothbrush. I was also glad I brought some lotion. Everything else I had pretty much went to waste.

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

The only complication I had was from having surgery (not the particular surgery). I have a bad reaction coming out of anesthesia by vomiting (I did this with my cholecystectomy as well). The vomiting with this caused a bit more pain from the retching. The first day was a blur because of the nausea meds and pain meds... but the day after surgey I felt WONDERFUL and have felt that way since.

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 have not had any anxiety at all... even before surgery. I feel great, and am just over 3 weeks out.

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

Even if you have REALLY good days the first few days... EXPECT a few BAD days where you just feel weak and don't want to get out of bed. This is from your body screaming, "What the heck have you done to me, I am starving." It does get better.

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

I had to travel about 2 hours away from home. The Dr. wanted me to stay in a hotel until my 1 week follow-up appt.

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

My activity level the day after surgery: I walked a mile. The next day I walked 2.5 miles. Since then I have been walking and rode bike a couple of times. The doc doesn't want me exercising until a month out. I do have a little more energy now than I did.

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

2 chewable multi-vits a day, calcium citrate 4 x a day, and b-12 SL 1000 every other day. I will add Iron, biotin and zink after my 6 week check up.

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 have not had any side effects as of yet (and I don't anticipate any).

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

Hmm... I think the waiting for a surgery date was the worst thing...

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

I attend a support group meeting once a week. I also have 2 co-workers that help hold me accountable with my exercise by working out with me. They have helped a great deal, and I am very thankful.

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

It is 6 small incisions, and I expected them as I had my gall bladder out by lap also... so now I have 11 little stab marks all over my tummy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a stall on week 2-3. This is because I was not getting my protein in because I could not tolerate any. I was very bad with my protein, but that has since changed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I do get asked ALOT, "How much weight have you lost?"