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

I had a friend who had the surgery done over 10 years ago and she looks great. Throughout the years knowing people, seeing shows on TV, or knowing someone who knows someone, it would go through my mind however that is as far as it would go. At first I would think that would be cool then chicken out. However knowing what I know now and doing many hours of research I wish I would have done something sooner ;o), there is no need to chicken out.

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

We didn't have any problems with the insurance. I had checked with the insurance to find out what their guidelines were and then met them. Also the Bariatric Surgery Program at St. Patrick Hospital (Missoula Montana) and Health Sciences Center has a incredible team. They also assisted in getting all the paperwork together and submitting it to the insurance company for approval and with my insurance withing 3 days we had the approval for surgery. I give them a lot of credit in getting it pushed through they were awesome ;o)

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

Wow my first meeting with my surgeon was awesome. He went over the options of which procedures there were. Even though I had pretty much knew what I wanted to do. He totally let you make the choice. He answered all our (my husband and I) questions. He was very thorough to explain everything in detail. You could tell he is really genuine and cared about me and my health. Also this is not just a job for him it is something he truly believes in to change peoples lives for the better and his caring shows that. Never once did he ever pressure me into having the surgery. He provided the information and then it was my choice. For people to get the most out of this meeting you need to have done your homework. Be prepared, start a journal and keep notes on questions you have and take that in on your first visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

With my weight increasing, the numerous health issues I have, and that is borderline I had to do something. I had to do it for me, my husband, and family. My husband has many health issues. However his are different from mine and not reversible. As time goes on he is able to do less and less. This scared me as I will/am having to pick up what he can't do anymore. With my weight I am very limited on what I can do. Therefore with myself not being healthy doesn't help anyone. It just breaks my heart watching my husband struggling to mow the lawn. That is something I should be doing and can't because of my weight. Now that is going to change and I am going to get healthier ;o)

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of research on the computer. Now a days the computer is a great source of information. However you also need to remember take notes so when you meet with your surgeon you can make sure everything you checked out is correct. Because I had found some discrepancies. I had pretty much made my mind up however was still open depending on information I would find out. Due to the amount of weight I had to lose I felt the gastric bypass was the better choice for me. I had checked into the lap-band also however I kept referring back to the gastric bypass and that is the procedure I had.

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?

Checking out the statistics of the hospital/doctors that were doing the surgery was a great help. It really did ease my mind of having complications or even dying. Yes I was scared of the decision I made but not enough to cancel it. It is a live changing event. I was also scared about the healing afterwords, silly I know. Well the healing part was a breeze. I did fantastic. I think a lot of that had to do with the huge exercise plan I did before the surgery. I was so amazed how fast I healed and had very little pain. I won't lie I was uncomfortable at time but not enough to take pain meds. Exercise, exercise, exercise before the surgery it really does help.

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?

Oh my goodness my family and friends were so excited when they found out. My friends and family are still extremely supportive after the surgery. When we got home our church brought over meals for my husband as he was taking care of me. This way he would take care of himself too ;o) ...

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

N/A I'm self employed ...

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

We (my husband and I) were very excited to go to the information seminar on weight loss surgery. The Bariatric Center has an awesome Team. One of the surgeons along with one of the RN's conducted the seminar. Therefore we were very well informed. They both made everyone feel welcomed and understood and cared about our problem with being obese. We were very happy that we attended the seminar. I have also suggested several friends that were interested to attend the seminar.

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

My surgery was on a Monday and normally if everything would have gone ok I would have been able to be released on Tuesday. I was released on Wednesday only because I had a lot of nausea and was very dizzy. The hospital stay/staff was great. I can't really think of anything that is important to bring as you are only there overnight.

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

I had no complications from the surgery. In fact even in the hospital I was uncomfortable but not in extreme pain. I used the pain button very little. Like I said I had time of being uncomfortable but heavy duty pain.

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 was doing well until the last several days before the surgery. I dealt with it by reminding myself this is going to make me healthy for myself, husband, family and friends. It is a life time change that is good.

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

I am now in my first few weeks ;o) ... I am doing fantastic! I have had very little pain and only have had to take my oral pain meds once. At first I had a few uncomfortable moments but nothing that I couldn't handle. The only difficulties I am having is getting use to the amount to eat what to eat to where my stomach doesn't hurt, feel uncomfortable, etc. Also trying to get in all the protein and water. Because you can only sip it takes forever to get all the liquid in that you need.

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

We had to travel 90 miles to have my surgery done, which it takes 2 hours. I am in the aftercare now and my first apt after the surgery is this coming Wednesday. However we did have several appointments prior to the surgery and so far we have done fine. Because my Bariatric Center is so awesome I really don't foresee how my aftercare would be affected. I can contact them anytime as there is a RN available 24-7. They are always there if I have a problem or just a question.

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 probably need to wait a little longer before answering this as it has only been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery.

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

I really have not had any problems with my activity level. I just started back to the gym. Before surgery I joined the gym as my surgeon wanted me to lose 15 lbs. I had already scheduled my surgery date which was only 2 1/2 week away. Let me tell you I was never an exerciser and the 2 1/2 weeks before surgery I was. I worked my butt off and did lose 17 lbs before surgery. I wanted to start exercising before now however didn't. I am working on getting on track and just need to keep it up, I know I will. I truly believe that the exercise I did before surgery really helped my healing and having less pain after the surgery. Now if you were to ask me about that before I started exercising, I would have laughed...

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

I am on a chewable multi vitamin from CostCo and protein drinks.

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 can't really answer this right now as I am still new, only 2 1/2 weeks post op

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

I don't have a worst part.

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

The Bariatric Center I'm with is/has been very supportive. There are RN's available 24-7, which is very helpful to me as we live 2 hours away. There is a support group that meets once a month which I have not been to as I am only 2 1/2 weeks post op, however I do plan on participating.

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

it is still healing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n/a

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

really can't answer still new