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

I actually called about 3 years ago to a bariatric center here and was shocked and relieved that I wasn't 100 pounds overweight at that time. Little did I know that 3 years later I would be calling that same center and going through with the surgery.

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

Oh man Kaiser is a pain in the butt. Major delays, major paper shuffling. In the long run my persistance and aggressive tactics paid off.

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

I did not see the surgeon I will be using at the meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sick and tired of being uncomfortable. Missing out on things I use to enjoy. Health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't have a choice. Kaiser only covers open 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?

Failing......

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?

Family was mad because we have a family business and they would have to work in my absence. Husband has been no support at all. As time grew closer..family came around and hubby is ok but scared I will die or leave him when I am skinny and healthy

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

My employer is my inlaws. I run their business. They will have to work for the 6 weeks I am gone.

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

It was fine. The nurses and Doctors where great. I was in a total of 7 days. I forgot my wooden spoon and made a makeshift wiper out of tongue depressors and tape. It worked!!

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

The liquid pain meds made me very sick and I started vomitting. The Dr was worried and readmitted me for observation.

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 felt pretty good. I had no problems with food or water. I started walking 1/4 mile two times a day and upped it to 1/2 mile by the start of the 2nd week. The hardest thing was bending over. I never felt any anxiety.

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

I actually went back to my normal routine. I slept in my bed, I was up at the normal hour in the AM. I did need help the first week with my animals feeding and cleanings but was self sufficient.

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

15 minutes. It was super to be so close to home.

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 on jello and broth for a week and then to shrimp then dark chicken. At week 3 I was progressing to white meat chicken. I started adding steamed veggies on week 3 eveen though my protocol said not until 8 weeks. I have squash, mushrooms, spinach, and a small bit of broccili (gotta watch the gas though)

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

started with 1/4 mile 2 times a day for the first week. 2nd week 1/2 mile two times a day with occasional mile walks. I now walk 1 mile in the am and 1 mile in the pm. Every other day I take a 2-3 mile hike at the beach with my dogs.

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

Flinstones chewables 2 a day but I found my skin was breaking in a rash on my back and thighs so I cut down to 1 and its almost cleared. We start regular vits at one month add calcium at 3 months.

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 had no problems.

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

The day after!! Plus I got a bad cold while in the hospital so I was coughing on top of having a very sore abdomen.

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

The support meetings in my area for the surgeons group I had SUCK. Sorry but they do. I won't be going to them again. I have surrounded myself with WLS friends so I have a huge support system that way.

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

Its thin and about 8 inches. Its looking better everyday. I really thought it would be smaller.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet too soon

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but they notice!