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

Both of my parents have had successful R&Y - both had excellent surgeons but did not attend support groups on a regular basis.

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

It was quite easy for me - I just followed the criteria and was approved the first time. Make certain that your surgeons office has a -great- coordinator. They will take care of everything paperwork-wise but it's up to you to follow all of the required steps. DO NOT get discouraged.

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

It was good my surgeon is not a personality dynamo but I wanted a talented, caring DR not a stand-up comedian. Ask questions - be prepared and answer honestly & frankly to any questions asked of you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The success both of my parents have had, the wonderful support from my PCP, surgeon, NUT and coordinator. This is one of the biggest decisions of my life and it's been one of the easiest.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap R & Y -

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?

No fears about dying or complications but I don't tolerate pain well and had fears about pain.

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?

All of my friends and the family that I have told (not all of them know as I live 2500 miles from most of my family) have been 100% supportive. They have seen the difference it's made in my parent's lives and know it's what is best for me.

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

Very supportive - surprised but supportive. I got a lot of "are you sure you need to do this? You don't seem like you are THAT overweight". Admittedly, I have worn my extra weight well but in the last 3 years, it's spiraled out of control and caused other health problems,

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was informative but weird because there were several -very- argumentative people at the seminar. They clearly didn't want to be there and were not listening or participating with an open mind. My DR requires you to attend two of his sessions; I was glad I did because my second group was not as contentious and I got more out of it.

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

Hospital stay was great - my hospital is brand new and one of the most high tech in the country. The biggest part is the care and I had consistently the best, most caring nursing staff I've ever experienced. I never felt ignored or rushed and always felt they were 100% focused on me. Crucial for the hospital - a support person! My Mom was with me all day & night and her presence was amazingly helpful to me. Burts Bees lip balm, baby wipes, a robe to cover your tushy (the gown they put on me was so huge, the arms showed my breasts!) and lotion. It was super dry and the lotion helped me a lot. I also washed my face & brushed my teeth right away and that too helped me feel more human!

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

Scariest for me was blood sugar spiking at 180 and then 211! I am not diabetic nor diagnosed (and have been testes) as pre-diabetic. I had no idea that blood sugar would be tested every 6 hrs and that it was cause for concern after surgery. I wish I had know that because it scared me when I was given insulin. I also didn't know about the heprin shots every 8hrs - not painful but would like to have been prepared.

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 wasn't nervous or anxious before surgery.

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

First night home was not good - could not get comfortable in bed, struggled with trying to find a good position.

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

less than 10 miles

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.

Liquids, shaved ice (loved this then - still do), cream of wheat, greek yogurt, sugar free popsicles, pudding, jello. Cream soups, pureed minestrone soup. Tuna with mayo and/or avocado. This was up until 3 weeks then I started adding soft scrambled eggs, poached eggs, cottage cheese, laughing cow wedges, crab meat with avocado, soups (veggie and bean), crackers. By 1 month out I added thin slices deli meats, canned peaches, strawberries, ground turkey meatballs in sauce. I'm now eating chicken breast (cooked 8hrs in the crockpot in a jar of salsa), refried beans, crab cakes, broccoli, and Wendy's chili. NO red meat, raw tomatoes, salads, alcohol, breads, rice, pasta. for at least 1st 4 mos.

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

low 1st week, 2nd week I was walking 25-30mins every day but 3rd week a mile a day, 4th week 2miles and now 8 weeks out 2.5 miles on treadmill, aerobics and free weights for about 45mins per day 6X per week.

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

Mult-vite with iron. B12 every day. Calcium Citrate. Omega 3 fish oil, Vit E, Cod liver oil

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 (reglan works for me), I still sleep a lot. I have to have minimum of 8hrs per night - 9.5 is best and if I don't get it, I am in bed by 730pm the next night. Just started with the hair loss - not too bad but it's definitely happening. I had a lot of layers cut into my hair right before surgery to help and I'm glad I did.

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

I hit a big bump 5.5 weeks to 7 weeks out. Vomiting for the first time, sick, sick, sick. Couldn't eat - had no energy, and stalled - ZERO weight loss for almost 3 weeks. Went back on reglan 2X per day and it was a lifesaver. I dropped 10lbs in one week and got my energy back!

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

It's 5 small holes/slits - looks rather like a plug of some kind! They are small and I scar easily so hey are raised and purple but fading.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

5weeks to 7 weeks I had a big problem w/ nausea and vomiting - I stopped eating and I stalled BIG TIME. No weight loss at all and then once I got meds for the nausea - dropped 10lbs in a week. You have to get your water & protein or your body will refuse to burn off any of your "stores"

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes - I'm not invisible anymore - sales people ask to help me, men hold doors open for me and I get "you look nice today" at work. I have more confidence to speak up in meetings.