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

I had heard about the surgery, on television had went to the internet to get more information on it, the risks, what it intails And had after that been reading, ect..for about a year..asked my family doctor his views, which were not good ones. I kept researching and especially the surgeons which were at this paticular hospital the advertisment told of. I knew before I went to my consulation with him, this was a MAJOR decision I would making..and one that had to be totally mine.

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

At my consulation, with my surgeon, they would be recommending my surgery to my insurance, I had read many people waited from months, to years to get approval, my Insurance company was given a letter ..one week later I heard an answer !! I was appoved !! I was overwhelmed and very surprised, I didnt have to wait for months.

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

My visit with my surgeon, I found him to be very pleasent, He wasnt judmental at all, very patinet with my concerns, questions, fears..He came highly recommended and was also very knowlegeable, he wasnt only a bariactric surgeon, he's a trama surgeon , Felt comfortable with him from the very begining, No question was left unexplained in detail, Thats what they are there for, to help us, not judge us, Ask all your questions, concerns, fears , there was a trust with my surgeon..I am blessed to have found him !

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After my consultation with my surgeon, and knowing all the facts, risks, I knew this surgery was for me, My condition health wise was a major factor, and the great benifits this change in my life would have after this surgery. And after talking with my surgeon in detail, My decision was made.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon discussed with me the various proceedures, the risks of each one, the benefits of each one, the various ways and time period each one works, taking into conderation the bad state of my health at the time, and my BMI factor way over the charts, the RNY would be the most effective way for me, and with the quickest results.

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?

My surgeon, informed me of the risks of this surgery, as with any surgery, I would say just the fact of being "put under" scared me more than the surgery, the complications, were explained to me, I didnt have a fear persay of possibly "dying" from the surgery, The way I looked at it, look where I was headed healthwise, without it, was VERY grim. I totally trusted this man with my life, Its only normal to have fears, with a surgery like this, thats where beforehand, you have got to be "certain" this is for you.

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 and friends, of course were worried, some thinking, this was a very drastic measure..well I had come to a point in my life/health, this is what it would take. I would say looking back now, I would have educated them much more, on the surgery, I did however tell the risks...and the benefits of course, there will always be the "negative" ones..and thats to be expected, they love you..and are scared. MY husband, was my biggest help and inspiration..that man stood by me, from the start, when i made my decision, he knew it had to be mine alone...if i went into this doing it for someone other than myself, Im looking at failure..He helped me thru it all, from the consultation, and after the surgery, every step...I couldnt have asked for a more devoted husband..or loving, understand in what i was going thru, he did his "homework" tho, so he knew, what to expect, to this day, 18 months post-op..he inspires me, and is so very proud of me..and helping with my new life change, he has lost 70 lbs !!

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 house wife, so thankfully I didnt have the worry of an employer to worry about.

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

The hospital had their very own bariactric ward..dedicated to just take care of its patinets, which was nice, they "knew" what to expect and how to care for us. The bed's were exceptional, designed for patinets such as this, and Pain was always a priority to keep under control.. "our needs, and comfort " upmost looked at. I was in the hospital for 2 days then released to go home. Most important to bring, lip balm !! lol, you will need that, slippers, robe..and a "pillow" to cuddle against your incision, on the way home, helped tremendsly.

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

The surgery its self, went great, no complications..as such, I seemed to take a little longer coming out of the anest. I had sleep apneia before, so they kept an eye on me. I was the first of my surgeons patients at this weight ect...to have the RNY and not the open, he did a wonderful job !!!

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

Once getting the approval I was elated, when it come to the surgery date, which was quick, I was exited..emotional, that finally, it had come Of course nervous, and reading all I could still and asking questions to be as prepared as i could be. My husband was always there to encourage me, and keep me strong..again, the trust I had in my surgeon..it had to be from God..not knowing this man for very long..There was a calmness about him, a confindence and caring..not just words from a doctor.

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

Everyone is different in their experience home, this i have learned..no 2 people alike, we all heal differently and tolerate the pain different, My first few weeks, I had my med's of course, the pain at one point pretty bad, it was the stomach/pouch , spasming from the surgery, normal..The most important thing I found, LIQUIDS....I became dehadrated after a couple weeks home, so VERY important to get it in..altho can only "sip" and then only so much..and slowly...its imparative !! I was told try to move around as much as possible..And when in question..CALL the doctor..

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

My hospital was almost an hour away, Thats where i usually went..and thats where my surgeon was based out of, I trusted this hospital. The trip hope, seemed for ever...but thats the only hospital I wanted my surgery at.

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.

When being able to start eating at first, was soft foods, jello mashed potatoes..pudding..ect...tolerated them alright..but amazing how slowly, and such small bites u must take. I found as for myself my tastes changed from things i used to like, i no longer did. My "pouch" tolerated meats easier than vegtables, which i found odd. I had only a couple episodes of getting sick, its VERY important, small bites..and CHEW alott.. As the weeks go by, your able to introduce more..and different foods into your diet, all pre anranged by my dietician before my surgery, I found, you just had to "try" certain foods, to see how well your "pouch" tolerates them. All along this process the "protien" is imaprative as well as the liquids !! Some foods, if not tolerated the first time, wait a few weeks and try again. The pouch is still healing. Becoming lactose intolerant I had heard, wasnt uncommon..altho I tolerated it just fine..there are the soy milk products ect..if you cannot..your dietician will discuss this all with you.

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

When going home, they stress..move around as much as possible BUT do not overdue, give the body time to heal. I was in pain, and with my med's really helped me. Everyone as i say, tolerates pain differently, you will know, whats best for you, your pain level, how much you can do.

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

I was started out on chewable calcium, basically sugar free, and the taste was pleasent. The vitamans I had to "crush" into my food, I was on flinstones complete chewable, and still on those, When it isnt possible to have my milk ( protien)..I keep a protien bar with me at all times..as not to miss it. There are unlimited choices of these, but depends on what your dietician has set up for you.

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 had some nausea , which to me was expected, but too, mine was also a side affect from the dehydration i was having. Most times, my foods, liquids were well tolerated, and again, everyone is different in how this goes. Dont compare yourself to someone else, and how they was affected. Vomiting..in the first few weeks/months..very minimal for me, a cpl times..and only because i didnt CHEW and take small bites..Or drink slowly..rather SIP...and take your time. I had certain instructions as far as diet, sugars..fats...to go by, as will you with your dietician...I cannot stree enough..how those need to be followed..and not abused.

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

I think the worst for me, was being "put under" I had always has a fear of this, But they are aware of any conditions u might have, and prepare for it. I didnt tolerate pain well..BUT you are givin pain med's and they DO help. I cant really say otherwise, anything "worse" about the whole surgery..and afterwards..we all heal differently, deal with food differently..pain..Just remember that..above all else...It DOES get better with each week..each month..My life entirely changed..and new !!!!!!! This tool we have been given, to me is a gift..and i intend to use it, to the best i can, and not abuse it...Im alive and WELL !!!!!!!!

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

The aftercare" is most important..you are seen by your surgeon, to make sure no complications, There are support groups available, there again your dietician may have some ideas, some hospitals have support groups, monthly..for "pre-ops" well as post op..pre-op I went to learn about the surgery, details, see the results ect...Im finding later..the groups are relly important, we help/encourage one another, your walk thru this just may help someone, thinking about the surgery, or has had it..Thats where I am now, wanting to "help" others any way i can..the support so very important..and who better to help each other, than those who have gone thru it, living it. The Obesity Help Site, online..there are all kinds of forums with which to help answer your fears, questions..advice..ect..always tho..check with your own doctor first..but these people are great in helping !!! and it encourages you to read about others..their trials..ect..I think the gropu meetings..moreso as you go months.down the line, are MOST important.

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

I had the RNY..which consists of "5" one inch insicions... I was expecting some BIG incision..and scar..but now looking at them, they are smaller than an inch

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have to be one of the lucky ones...I kept losing all these 18 months..and just "now" hitting a plateau..and its right where I want to be with my wight, very happy with it, Im told some have the plateau's all thru out the process...BUT..I didnt keep a scale around for almost a year, I refused to weigh myself every other day and be discouraged, I was with the belief, you do as your supposed to, use the "tool" as its intended, it has to work, and it did !! The weight and inches started falling off !!! But always go to as what your doctor or dietician instructs you.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Treating me differently, sadly..yes..more so the "public" as a whole, with all of us who have struggled with out weight, we are looked upon as lazy and no limits...Obese people are frowned upon in this society, its sad. Now...Im not gawked at..or stared at..like I have a disease...People are more accepting of you. Even you might see your family and friends, treat you differently..that way, mine was most supportive..and couldnt beileve the changes i me..NOw...they are amazed !!!!