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

3 of my friends here at work had it done. I thought about it, but then one of them died from complications! It took 2 years for me to realize the compliciations were not because of the actual surgery, but because she didn't follow orders and that the surgery was as safe as any other diet...IF the rules were followed!

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

I didn't have too much trouble because I knew from the others what steps to go through. I had Aetna, and their big thing was me proving that I had been trying to diet for the past 6 months.

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

It was informative. Between himself and his nurse, they explained all procedures and my BMI to me. He told me how this surgery would affect my health issues...to me he has given me a new lease on life...complications or not!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health had deteriated so badly. I am active in the Red Cross but couldn't do my job anymore. I had a hard time dealing with my dog-who was my best friend for 15 years-who needed special care (he had cancer and passed on one week before my surgery). It wore me out to walk him, carry him and bathe him. I also could not go hiking and swimming with my grandchildren anymore.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

To me the Roux-n-Y was the safest

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 no fears. I had a very positive outlook. After loosing a close friend who had the surgery, I was apprehensive at first. There are no worse risks with this surgery then any other. Or even riding in my car!

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?

My friends (who were also Lura's friends) had horrible thoughts. They panicked. I could not even tell them until 1 week before my surgery! We had discussed it before, and they didn't want to hear it. EVER! I might have maybe taken them to the Dr. with me. They have been very, very supportive.

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

My employer was OK with it. They worried, because of the loss of my friend, who was also a co-worker. But they were supportive. I told them in an email that I needed time off from work for a life-altering surgery! And then told them what it was. I was off for 4 weeks

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

My stay was short and sweet. I had surgery in the AM, was in my room by 2:30 pm on Thursday. I was out of bed that evening. My nurse MADE me pull myself up and sit up and then get up and sit in a chair. By Friday noon, I was walking the halls, albeit slowly, I was up. They let me go home Saturday morning!

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

I had an appetite the first week, but, of course, you can't really eat. Then when I could take in some food besides total liquids, I had diarrhea. That lasted a couple of days, and the Nurse assured me that was quite normal. I then lost my appetite, and one of my incisions became real red. My husband took me to the Dr. who opened up my incision about 1 inch. I had a horribly bad infection - a pocket which my Dr. had to drain. It seems from that period on I was sick. I started vomiting. After an Upper GI didn't show anything, the Dr. thought it was just the infection. He had given me CIPRO, the antibiotic to take. This cured the infection, but I was still having trouble. I went from vomiting for 2 weeks to horrible stomach cramps and C.difficile diarrhea..caused by the antibiotic! After another bout of different antibiotics, I finally got rid of this, but still have no appetite. Generally I can eat a little by noon, and then that is it. If lucky, I can get (and hold down) something in the evening. I have been in danger of dehydration for weeks. I am having difficulty with my vitamins, and forget the protein drinks! I look as each day as a new day, and get excited if I hold something new down. This too shall pass...

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Like I said the first week was great! But once I got sick, I was very depressed. It's better now.

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

Pain, mood swings...my husband was supposed to take care of me and take a few days off from work, but because I didn't "LOOK" sick, he went to work. Therefore, I didn't eat right and when I should. I slept a lot.

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

It was about 1-1/2 hour drive

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 don't know what I can and can't eat. I think everybody is probably different. I know my tastes have changed. I do not tolerate ANY type of meat well, and that includes chicken.

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

I walk a lot...but I notice I tire more easily, but then I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I have not had an appetite.

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

Very little...

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?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea...just now getting better. I have not coped well with these. My Dr. and dietician assure me this will all pass.

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

for me....Wanting to be able to eat something and keep it down.

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

At this time nothing, because I work all the time. But, if you don't have the support of friends, I think a support group is great! I also check on line and read other peoples stories. It makes you not feel alone when you have worries.

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

Very small...and does not look bad!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I know I will be going into one soon. Actually I have been at this weight now for about 2 weeks...so maybe I am in one now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! They seem nicer! Isn't it a shame?! I am no different now than I was then! Just appearance!