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

I had heard several people talk about it but never gave it any thought until my father passed away this year and then i went and got more information on it and then went for it.

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

It was great. my insurance approved my surgery on the first letter. Just make sure you have everything there.. from parents being over weight if that applies, to their health problems, to siblings, and then go into all the diets that you have tried and failed at, and approx. how much you lost and gained back. And your health problems.

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

My surgeon is a direct man, he likes to talk first ask questions second. He likes to get his stuff done and thats that. Have your questions ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was TIRED! Tired of being fat, tired of the back hurting, tired of the knees hurting, tired of not being able to do something cause I was fat, and basically tired of being tired!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was a simple proceedure for me. Being over weight and watching someone you love die cause of the weight. It becomes real simple after 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?

Everyone is scared to go under the knife, dying isn't a fun fear to have. Once you set your mind to having the surgery, starting thinking ahead, don't think of the recovery part or what could happen or what ifs. Think of 3 months after all that is said and done, how much happier you will be. Think of 6 months of how much weight you would have lost. Think of 1 yr from now you could be slim and be the that butterful that has been in the cocon all this time.

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?

I have been very very very lucky, I have had a wonderful support group. Family and friends have been wonderful. I explained to them this is what needs to have happen in order for me to live another year. I would greatly apprecate it if I could have your support and love on this decision!

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

I told my employer the truth. They are part of my family and friends. They totally understood. I took the time that i had left before surgery and got things tidied up at work, so my temp wouldn't have worry about certain things. Normally one is out 6wks. But because I don't have a very hard stressful lifting job i was able to go back after 2 1/2 wks. BUT that doesn't mean that everyone is like that. And only if your Dr. releases you!

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

My stay in the hospital was 3 days. Some of the nurses were not that great, but I had decided before going in what my plan was and stuck too it. Get up walk, walk, and walk, do as I'm told but yet do more. The important things would be: Toothbrush hair stuff I brough a soft lufo brush, to wash personal area's ~ I didn't want to depend on the nurses to clean me up. I wanted to make sure that once i got out I would beable to do it myself. Loose clothing to go home in (depending on type of surgery)

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

No, I am lucky my surgery went very well.

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 scared, but I was even more scarer of staying obese. I knew if I didn't do this I would die. I didn't want that, I was getting married, I have a family that I wanted to be with awhile longer. I wanted to have a "normal" life. For what ever that is worth.

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

Depending on who does your surgery and which surgery, will depend on how you recover. For me, sleeping was the hardest, I came home w/ a drain tube from my upper mid section (left side) this was the worst part, i would do the Open RNY again if I didn't have that drain tube. Your tired, nervous not sure what will be waiting for you in the furture. Wondering if you did the right thing, knowing that it doesn't matter if you did right or not, its done, now make sure its the right thing!

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

Not far, 20 mins.

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.

Milk- not a milk drinker to begin w/ but mild doesn't settle well, makes me very sick to stomach. Sometimes vomit. Chilli- off limits for what ever reason I try and try and try to eat chili but doesn't work. No sooner i take a few bits and i'm sick, upstairs vomiting. You live and learn, its like being a baby all over again. You read the labels. You measure things out. You watch your sugar intake. And you never know what to expect week by week or month by month, cause what might settle on your stomache today may not tomorrow.

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

In the beginning its walking, walking, walking and MORE WALKING!!! After 6 wks i was released to start full exercise program, basically go back to normal activity. Do as the Dr. Tells you cause you may cause yourself problems in the long run.

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

I am a vitamin over loader. Citrate- w/D Iron Protein Drinks Vit. E Vit. C Potassiem Multi Vit. Hair Vit. Prenatal Vit. Cranberry

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?

The worst part was the sleep disturbace at first. But it getts better. I started taking Tylenol PM and helped me so much. Yes you have hair loss, its par for the course, its stops as quickly as it starts and it grows back. Eat to much, East to Fast, Not Chewing and your going to fell some pressure in your stomach/ breast area, its not a nice feeling. It will diffently make you stop and think the next time. Dumping~ my first time, was with 2% milk, normally used Fat Free when I cooked but not this time, I got clamy, nausiaed, week, and wanted to roll up and sleep for weeks. It totally drains you! DON'T EAT SUGAR!

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

The worst part was drinking that Go-Litely Stuff, to clean your system out before surgery. YUCK YUCK YUCK and double YUCK!!!!!!~ May all dr.s have to drink that twice in their life time. :)

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

In the beginning I didn't have a support group real time. I did have a support group online. They helped me tremendously. I will never beable to totally express my graditude to them. About 5 months after my surgery a lady started a support group in town. It has been a life saver. I love the meetings I learn so much, I help others, and meet new friends. One understand alot more when face to face.

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

its from the breast bone, to the belly button and yes its what i expected. I have a rail road track on my tummy and hopefully someday, the train will derail and as the tummy be gone for good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on a plateau as I right this. 105 lbs down in 7 months. I think people have to realize you drop the weight quickly in the beginning and you think its going to contunie like that but its not. You have to work hard at it. You gotta keep your exercising up, taking your water, eating correctly. As some people say its the easy way it but its not, its twice as hard. You work harder at breaking it. And also when you don't think your losing the weight your losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, i get second looks by guys. People are more politer to me. I get waited on in a timely manner. And I don't get made fun of!!!