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

I learned about it from my GYN, and my pain mgmt. doctor. I thought it was a life saver.

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

I had state issued Medicaid, and It was a chore to get approved. I got turned down once, and to do an appeal letter. Once they got a copy of my MRI , it was ok after then. I got approved quickly. I have a very bad back condition.

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

It was a group meeting where the doctor told us about the surgery, the risks, etc. He also met with with us individually, and asked us about our health problems. It was a long meeting. About 3 hours.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I didn't have any other choice. My BP had been off the charts without BP meds. I didn't want to live with that forever. I wanted to try and help my back some. I haveDDD, and my back is getting worse everyday. I have to try and slow down the degeration.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY-open was the only one my doctor did

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 very worried. I wanted to do this, but my fear of dying was unreal. I gave it to the Lord, and put it in his hands. I came thru with flying colors.It's ok to worry, I think everyone does.

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 family was GREAT. They were very supportive, and still are. They wish I hadn't have been hurting so much though.

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 house-wife, and stay at home.

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 2 nights and 3 days. The hospital stay was GREAT. The nurses were GREAT too.The most important thing to bring is a few changes of clothes. That may sound stupid, but most people feel more comfortable in their own clothes. You may get sick and need a few changes of clothes.

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

No, not to begin with. The first 2 weeks went Great. I do have Diverticulitis now,and a-lot of pain when I eat anything with constiency to it. Hopefully the antibiotics will help soon.

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 found out right before, and so I didn't have much time to worry about it.I did worry about it though.

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

The first few weeks are a blur now. I don't remember much, but I do remember how it was mostly me trying to get in my liquids, and proteins. It's hard to bebin with. You don't feel as though you have gotten in enough.

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

I traveled only 30miles. I live in the country, south of the city.The same for my aftercare.

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 cannot eat a-lot still. It's nine weeks now. I eat yogurt, cheese, chicken(grilled),protein shakes, Atkins shakes, etc.My diet has started to get better. I have a-lot of gas pains still. I have to take beano, and Gas-X before I eat. This makes it more tolerable.

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

I started to walk while in the hospital. I have walked everyday since then. I walked a quater mile to start with, and am now up to a mile a day. I hope to continue at this pace.

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

I take a multi-vitamin everyday.I also take a calcium supplement daily.I take a B-12 shot once a month too.

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 still have nausea, and it is nine weeks. I've only gotten sick on taking my medicine. I took to many pills at one time I guess.I've not had any sleep disturbance's, and no dumping either. I'm trying to prevent hair loss by getting in my protein, and taking Biotin.I still take Phenergan when I need it for nausea.

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

The worst part of the surgery was the tube down in my nose to my stomach. That was horrible.The pain from the surgery was bad also.

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

We have a support group for aftercare.I'm only 2 months out, but the group has been very helpful. It let's you know about what you can do right after surgery, to years after. We had a plastic surgeon come this past meeting to tell about after care of the excess skin you have after surgery.

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

My scar is an open, 3.5 inch incision. It's still a little darker than I'd like it to be, but it;s not as pronounced as it was a few weeks ago.I expected it to look mostly like it does. I've had 5 back surgeries, so I kinda knew what to expect as far as a scar goes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a plateau now. I've been 10 days without lossing weight. I actually weighed the other day, and was up 2lbs. I freaked out. I was later told that this could happen. I wa told I wasn't putting in enough calories, and that this could cause it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They seem to notice weight a-lot more now that I've hit the 50lb. mark.I also notice people who I haven't seen in a while,taking a second look at me.