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

I researched it about 3 yrs ago for my brother. I never thought I would be next.

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

My approval process was pretty easy. It is all in the doctors letter to insurance. I would say- know you insurance plan and also keep in touch with the people who do the approval process.

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

I was very nervous. I was 10# short of qualifying. When he told me that I basically forgot everything I wanted to ask. My advice- take a list of questions and ask them even if he already covered that information. Remember the only question that is 'dumb' is the one that is not asked.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided with Lap RNY because that is the one they offered in this area. I knew alot about RNY so I felt this was a good procedure. I choice LAP because of the post op healing time is shorter.

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?

At first I had fears, but then I realized that the mortality rate is actually quite low. I also rationalized that I did well with all the previous surgeries I had had. I say- keep a positive attitude, pray and believe in your surgeon.

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 only told a few people. Maybe a total of 7 people. All seemed supportive. So far everyone is supportive of me post operatively.

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

Never really had to go into details about the surgery. Only said I was having surgery and needed time off.

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

I was in the hopsital for a total of 4 days- this included the surgery day. I thought the hospital staff was great. Iwas kept pretty comfortable. The most important things I brought were:chap stick,ear plugs, and lotion. The other stuff I could of did without.

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

None what so ever. It was alot easier than I thought It would be.

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 am only 4 weeks post op now. I feel pretty good- only a little bit weak.

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

I was feeling pretty good, Little bit tired.I think If a person is having LAP RNY they should rest for a week or so before jumping back into 'life' . I was also very focused on my food intake and prepared a week of meals at a time so I would be ready.

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

I travel about 100 mile to the hospital. The drive back was not too bad.

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.

Foods off limit- sugary foods, junk food. I slowly increased my foods. I seemed to be able to tolerate anything I ate. My problem was to remember to eat slowly.

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

I rested for 1 week. Then I hit the gym 5+ days a week. I slowly worked up to a 30 minute cardio work out 5+days a week and weights 3 days a week.

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

My post op med Zantac 150mg 1 pill 2X's a day; Flinstone Vitamin-1 a day;ferrous sulfate 325 mgs 2x's a week; B-12 500 mcg 1 a day; Tums 3 a day

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, so far, have had nausea and vomitting a total of 5 times. I think it was from eating too quickly. I have not had any other problems so far.

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

Waiting for approval from insurance, then waiting for the actual surgery date to arrive.

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

Obesityhelp. com; I will eventually go to the support meetings at the hosptital I had the surgery.

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

5 very small pink lines. They are less than 1/2 in length.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far- 4 weeks post op

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no difference