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

I had heard about it many years ago and figured it was too radical for me. In 2004-05, when some co-workers had RNY surgery- I got a closer encounter with the surgery and had a better understanding of it.

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

DO the research and investigation of insurance coverage well before you decide emotionally the surgery is for you. Be assertive and contact your insurance company for yourself- so not rely only on the surgeon's staff to do so or it may not happen as smoothly and as timely as you'd prefer.

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

I found the surgeon pleasant but formal. The RDLD and CRNP were nice enough but rather mechanical. Come prepared with your list of questions and do the research again and again so you know what to expect and know what to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally admitted to myself is was time for theis "last resort" method for weight loss. I see consequences of prolonged morbid obesity in my family and I did not want to be like that in my later years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not like the idea of a port with the LAP band plus there was some question about LAP band being covered by insurance. I also heard that GERD symptoms may not resolve or may get worse with LAP band. Plus I wanted faster weight loss so I opted for RNY.

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 biggest fear was I would need an open surgery rather than laproscopic. Also having a leak or having my organs tear or rupture and I would have internal damage and need to go under the knife again was a big fear. Calm down and be patient with yourself, others, and the process would be my suggestion.

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?

Most seemed postive in a vague sort of disinterested way. OSme were a bit fearful due to the misinformaion they had about the old days with stomach stapling procedures. Very supportive immediately after the surgery. With lots of weight loss some are concerned now I have lost too much weight. Some seem a bit disturbed by the fact I am smaller than them now.

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

She was supportive. i told her I was having WLS like i told every coworker who has inquired. i never planned to keep the RNY a secret- but I don't advertise I had the surgery either. I was out of work for about a month- mainly to get adjusted to a liquid diet and new food intolerances.

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

I was in the hosp for 3 days (2 overnights). I would suggest having a firend or loved one stay with you the first night as the effects of the anesthesia can be unpredictable. I had some negative experienceswith the night shift staff some of which was real i am sure and some of which was an effect of the sedation and pain meds.

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

no complications

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 felt exhausted and nauseous all the time. i could barely drink and could not eat. I had an extreme lactose intolerance so all the protein shakes were not possible to consume. The distaste in my mouth from ketosis made everything taste horrible. I ended up in the er for IV fluids due to mild dehydration. I did not feel anxious.

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

I was drained physically and emotionally. I was teardul for no apaprent reason at times. Was told this is due to hormonal fluctuations after surgery.

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

The hospital is within 20 miles of my home

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.

Anything with lactose was off limits for the lirst two months. I could easily tolerate carbs like flour and grains but was told to avoid them. Could not tolerate vegetables and still cannot tolerate most of them. Most fruits I can tolerate completely. I have always struggles with meats. i still do even 9 months post op but it seems to be getting gradually better and better. Please read my story on Obesity Help for more of the experiences i had chonologically.

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

Walking around the house mostly. After the drain came out i was able to drive.

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

Centrum chewable multivitamin, 1000 mg. Calcium citrate, B12 sublingual tablet, and 800+ IU of Vitamin D.

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?

The nausea the first few months was the worst. I got some anti nausea medication but it didn't work too well. I felt great immediately after the surgery at the hosptial as they had me on IV NASIADs and IV nausea medication which both did wonders for me. since I did not come home with and iV or any of these meds, I deteriorated quickly within one week.

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

The worst part was having my menstral cycle start the day of the surgery. When I woke up i had a catheter in my bladder and no menstral protection in place so the bed got soiled.

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

My surgeon's office offers a monthly support group. i have gone a number of times but do not feel I have to go. There is not always an opportunity to tell my story but I figure if I was really needy i would soeak up at the group.

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

small scars barely noticeable except the one by the navel is a bit discolored and doesn't seem as faded as the others

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet but should be expecting it as I am at goal after 9 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes- but its mainly those that hve known me continually commenting on my weight loss and how good I look now. I do sense a more polite or neutral approach from strangers. i do not feel as if I am as easily judged as I was before the weight loss.