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

My friend had it done and she did very well. I took about a year to research it myself before I signed up.

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

I really didnt have any problem with the approval process. I just did everything they told me and it was approved on the first letter. Be patient is the biggest thing and fight for yourself and your rights. Dont let the first no, be the only answer. keep at them.

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

I had wrote down questions, most of which I got off of this website. my surgeon took the time to answer each and every one until I was satisfied. If your surgeon wont do that, find another surgeon. Its a partnership.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being fat, diets didnt work for long. I knew I had to do something drastic or I would end up with problems down the road.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only had the choice of the band or RNY through my insurance. I was happy with the RNY and so was my surgeon, so I did that.

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?

Well, I wrote letters to my husband and to my daughter before I went in, telling them to open them if something happened to me. So, ya, I was a little worried! but I had ever had a operation before,so I was scared. In hindsight, it was fine...

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 family was fine with it, so were most of my friends. If anyone was negative,they kept it to themselves. Some of my friends have been a little weird as I have been losing weight and get below where they are. You have to be very careful of not flaunting it in front of everyone. Its so exciting for us, but not for everyone, so just be aware of that.

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

I told them exactly what Iwas doing. They were happy for me. I was out for 6 weeks.

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

I recommend going to the information seminar. ask questions..listen. read all the stuff they give you. information is power.

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

I was there for 3 days. First day I barely remember. 2nd day tried to walk around but seemed very unsteady and was in pain. went home on the third day. bring a pillow for the ride home, the bumps hurt! also chapstick, any maybe your own pillow. I was either sleeping, walking or watching the Food Network (the number one show on the bariatric floor..lol..). My hospital provided a welcome kit which had just about everything you could want from playing card, toothbrush, eyemasks, ear plugs, soap..etc..they were great!

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

I did get dehydrated due to developing an ulcer at 5 weeks out. Ended up in the hospital for 2 days for fluids and meds for the ulcer. Once the ucler was gone, I have been good. I also had a partial bowel obstruction 5 months out. You will know by the pain,OMG...awful. I ended up having surgery, only in for 2 days, felt great afterwards. Nothing like the gastric bypass..

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 ate..lol. right up until my 2 week preop diet. I wasnt perfect, but I did the best I could. 4 times a day, I just wanted to chew something!! It was rough, for sure. But keep your eye on the prize...

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

It was rough for me. I had a hard time bending over, and getting in and out of bed. Thank God for pain meds! Just know that you have had Major Surgery..so take your time and heal. walk, sip, rest, repeat.. it was probably the hardest time for me.

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

10 miles to the Cleveland Clinic, so very close. After care was awesome, I could always call a nurse, anytime,with any problems or questions, and I did, ALOT! they were great....

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 started out with liquids, protein shakes. We could progress our selves as we saw fit, and if we needed to move back a phase we could. I was doing really well with foods..eating eggs,cream soups, shakes. up until I started developing the ulcer around week 5. my stomach hurt everytime I ate or drank. by the time I went to the dr, I was only getting about 20 oz of fluid a day.

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

first 6 weeks were rough, but it got better and better every week.

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

I take 3 calcium with D3, 2 mulit vitamins, 5 stool softners, 2 iron, 2 vit C, 2 mag oxide,1 b12 sublingual

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 just with the ulcer. after taking the meds, I was fine. Never threwup, not much hairloss, do still have some problems sleeping so I take Ativan for that. And effexor..for mood. Menopause and bypass....tricky combo! But I am fine as long as I take all the meds.

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

not knowing what was actually going to happen to me. had a drain for 10 days, that was no fun! I think it took me longer to recover than most I had read about,so I felt a little guilty. I was scheduled to take 2 weeks off work, ended up being 6. and I could have used 8.

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

I use OH as my support group, they are a great storehouse of love and information. I met one of my closest friends on OH in a chat room. We had the same surgeon and she was about a month ahead of me. We meet once a month and talk on the phone almost every week. I dont know how I would have made it without her. Its a very emotional journey...you need someone who has been there to talk to. OH is great for that.

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

almost unnoticable...not an issue at all

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

everyone has plateaus. Come on to OH, vent...we all get it. and you will get some love, encourgement, sometimes tough love. They are rough,but you break them. everyone does eventually. hang in there...be patient.let your body do its thing....

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

absolutely, and it used to piss me off! I am the same person I was when I was fat. But I get it....and I get over it now. No One is bringing me down, anymore....I am worth it!! and so are you...