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

My moms sister had bariatric surgery about 3 years ago..maybe more. My initial impression was NO, Never for me. Well now at almost 180 lbs overweight, there is not another choice, not really.

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

I did't have a problem getting my initial consult covered. They will pay for 3 consults and then we go from there. The problem that I have is with the incompetent people who arrange travel for the Coast Guard where I live. They have never arranged for a dependent to travel for medical reasons and they can't just say "I don't know how it's supposed to work, let me ask someone who knows," they have to lie to me and wait until the last minute. My advice, is to be persistent and in the military remember there is always a "boss", just go up the chain of command. : )

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

My first visit with the surgeon was short and to the point. I guess if I hadn't already done my homework, gone to 2 support group meetings and to a intro meeting, I might have had more questions. Getting the most out of this meeting....probably my advice would be to talk to the newest surgeon..can't remember his name or Dr. Searles. Dr. Todd is great but very very busy. Don't be picky about which surgeon you speak to other than that, they all do the surgery the same way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The "fat bitch" comment really did it for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon decided for me. I got to put my two cents in but when it came down to it, medically it was necessary to do it open.

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 was more afraid of living the life of an obese person.

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 very supportive about my decision. I would not have changed my communication. They continue to be supportive.

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

I am a Stay At Home Mom.

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

My stay was good. I was there for 3 days. The most imortant thing to bring....your own pillow!

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 was just excited. It happened so fast that I really didn't have time to get anxious.

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

You need to have help at home. You need to not pick up your kids! Expect to be a little tired and sleep a lot. Get your rest, you'll need it!

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

I had to have a 4 hour plane ride 10 days after surgery. I stayed at the Alaska house in Anchorage Medical Center. It was great, and I was right near my Dr.'s office if I had any questions. It was awesome!

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.

For the first month, I had to eat pureed things. I could tolerate many foods but had to keep reminding myself to eat slowly!! Foods that are off limits are soda of any kind, and anything with suger in it.

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

I am just now getting my energy back. After my 4 weeks of not lifting etc., I got strep throat and a double ear infection. That put a damper on my energy. I am now mostly back to normal and getting more and more energy every day.

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

Potassium, Nexium, Chewable prenatal vitamin. I am drinking protien shakes and eating protien bars to make sure I get all my protien in.

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?

Dumping when I eat too fast. That is the only side effect I have. I just remind myself to eat slower. That is all I can do.

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

The first hour after you wake up from surgery. Uck! I felt like I had been run over by a Mac Truck. Then the Morphine came. What a relief!

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

None, but check OH all the time and ask lots of questions!

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

It is 3" below my breast line and 3" long. I expected to have LAP but ended up having open, so it was a little different that what I expected, but I'm not upset.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, only 35 lbs lighter and already I'm getting looks from guys. Hubby notices it too. It just makes me mad. He just laughs and pats my butt.