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

I saw an ad for the Bariatric Treatment Center, and decided to find out wat this was all about. I was skeptical at first, but the more I read, the more I knew it was for me.

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

I had no problems at all. My doctor is quite experienced at submitting the letter of medical necessity. My recommendation is to see a bariatric surgeon (preferrably one who does not charge for the initial consult) and get that letter submitted.

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

The first meeting went very well. I was well-read about the procedure before I went, and I had a list of questions. My doctor was patient and very willing to answer every question fully. Don't be afraid to ask. No question is dumb or silly. If your surgeon doesn't want to answer your questions, find another surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight kept piling on, and my health continued to deteriorate. I knew this surgery was my last hope. My father was obese like me, and he died when he was only 53 years old. I am almost 44. I don't want my children to lose their mother.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The open RNY is the only procedure my selected physician performs. I had no problem with that, since it is also what the NIH recommends.

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 a little nervous about not waking up, but I decided to put that in God's hands.

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 skeptical at first. But after I made them understand the seriousness of my obesity, they "came around". It helped to make them see that morbid obesity would one day kill me.

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

Very encouraging.

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

For the most part, the hospital staff was really good. There were a coulple of nurses (or nurses aides) who were a little harsh, but nothing too significant. Several nurses were absolutely wonderful! They really took good care of me.

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

none whatsoever.

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

each day I felt increasing better. As the weight came off my energy level increased.

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

Some pain in the beginning, but not so much pain to incapacitate. It was just a little difficult moving around. This only lasted a week. Then it just got better every day. Make sure you have the right foods on hand when you get home from the hospital. It will make things a lot easier. Just do what your doctor tells you to do, and things will go well.

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

approx. 40 miles each way. No problems with 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.

once I started eating solid food I started having a little problem with food getting 'stuck'. I have thrown up a number of times. Usually its my fault - either I don't chew well enough, or eat too fast. I'm learnig. The hardest things for me to eat are eggs and pasta. Both can be too rubbery to chew well. I had some problems with roast beef at the beginning, but now I can chew it quite well. Of course, sugar is off limits. That is not a problem. Actually, its a blessing. I can now walk past the bakery in the grocery store without drooling.

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

Activity gradually increased day by day. Now, 9 wks post op, I have more energy than ever. I no longer drop off to sleep like I used to.

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

Two chewable vitamins each morning.

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 - only happed once. It passed fairly quickly. I will not allow that to happen again! nausea and vomiting - no nausea, some vomiting - I make sure I chew well, take small bites, and avoid pasta & eggs. no hair loss yet (9 wks post op)

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

the waiting for approval before hand. The surgery itself was no worse for me than other surgeries I've had.

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

My surgeon has monthly support group meetings. I have not been to any yet.

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

long and pink. yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

after one month I hit a plateau that lasted one month. It was really frustrating. But, even though I did not see weight coming off, I was still losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My friends are real happy for me.