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

I read about it in the news and saw television programs about people who lost weight via surgery. I thought it was foolish at first and there must be another way. I learned different throughout my life.

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

I had no problems being approved through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mass on the first try. My BMI was over 50.

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

I attended one of his Info Meetings where he explained in full the surgical procedure, the risks and also talked with post-op patients at that meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't stop gaining weight, felt terrible every day, was having so much difficulty breathing and the pain in my joints was outrageous.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted something that was complete with no turning back. I wanted it to be permanent and the RNY was my choice.

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?

I had all the fears that anyone would have. What if I died? What if I stroked? I decided for the surgery because my quality of life was not what it should be. It certainly is now.

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?

They were all for it and have been so supportive that it made it very easy for me to get to where I am now in time. I am so lucky to have such a great family.

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

They were supportive and I told them the truth. I was out of work for 4 months.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days and they were very supportive and gave great care. I felt safe and well taken care of at all times.

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

No

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 concentrated on what I wanted to achieve, how it would be if I stayed the same and looking at people's pictures post-op really was encouraging.

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

The first 2 weeks were kind of a nightmare. I could not keep anything in and was having problems. It was my fault. I was trying to do too much. Using shot glasses for liquids every 20 minutes and using 2 ounce containers for anything I has worked very well for me. Buying a snow cone machine was life saving I feel because I was able to tolerate ice even in the hospital. Once I cleared my mind and stopped being in a panic, I realized that I had to take it slower. My online groups helped me with suggestions and support.

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

Less than 10 miles. I felt that it had to be close by for me and the care would be better than traveling 50 or 60 miles for surgery.

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.

During the first 2 wks. I could hardly tolerate anything at all. Nothing tasted as it should. It took over 2 months for food to taste normal. Gradually over time, everything got better and I was able to tolerate different foods. To this day, chicken breast is definately a no-no and eggs were good in the hospital but terrible at home. I haven't tried them since. Now I can eat and drink anything. Soda must have lots of ice, milk is great and hot coffee or chocolate works is very soothing. There were bad days, called no eating days, at least 3 times a week during the first month. Second month it was twice a week. It still happens now but maybe once every 3 weeks. It's normal according to everyone I have spoken or written to.

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

Better than it ever was. I took it easy for 3-4 weeks then began to walk a little. Now I am back to work and things are fine. I have no shortness of breath so I can walk and go anywhere I wish. Nothing hurts anymore either.

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

Iron, protein powder shakes and regular vitamins.

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?

Hair Loss happens around the 4th month so that's what I have now. It stops around 6 months I am told because of lack of protein.

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

Waiting for the surgery.

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

Both Charlton and St. Anne's hospitals have group meeting sponsored by my surgeon Dr. Sosa and I belong to several online groups.

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

It is about 12 inches or so directly down the middle of my abdomen. I guess it is what I expected. I don't care that it is there.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to fluctuate 2-3 pounds for 3 days then loose 3 pounds. Other than that it has been consistent weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think so. Everyone is very happy to see the difference in me.