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

I first sent in for info from the Bariatric Center but when I recieved the info I figured insurance would never cover it.

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

Theda Clark in Neenah did a wonderful job on submitting all of the info to my insurance company. I was denied the first time but approved after the second.

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

Nervous. I actually went to a group consultation explaining the procedure and the benefits along with insurance info. That is when I first met the surgeon. He was very professional.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was really excited about the procedure but my decision was based on whether or not insurance would cover it

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

well actually this was the only procedure my surgeon does. But he explained the other procedures and the benefits of the Rouxen Y compared to the others.

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 didn't have any fears. I was very excited about the procedure from the day I got my approval. But recently a friend of mine said she is interested in the procedure but she is scared of the risks. I told her well justthinkof all the risks you have by being overweight.

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?

Alot of my family were very scared and apprehensive because this is such a new procedure. But since the surgery they have all benn very supportive and they cant believe the difference it had made on my life.

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 four days. My stay was very pleasant. The nursing staff was very wonderful and knowledgable.

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

I had no complications at all

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 was a little tired and a little sore. My family was wonderful by helping out with my children. I didn't have any anxiety.

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

tired but yet excited. I was tired of eating the same foods couldn't wait to introduce new foods. Make sure you drink all your water.

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

Don't know in miles but it was about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. I chose this particular hospital because of its closeness.

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 had to learn to eat slower so that I wouldn't get sick. I couldnt handle hamburger at first. Even today what I might have been able to eat last week my stomach may not tolerate this week.

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

pretty much just walking

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

I take 2 multivitamins daily, 2 calcium chewables daily and a vitamin B-12 one time a week.

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 think it would be the dumping. Because it would take every ounce of energy out of my body and I would have to go and lay down for like 30 minutes before I started feeling better.

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

nothing really. I had no complications, no major issues. It all went pretty smoothly for me.

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

none, the only support group I have is friends and family

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

It looks better then I thought. But I also have a large scar on my back from the elastic binder they made me wear. It caused a blister on my back and scarred.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at a plateau right now. It took me three months to loose 5 pounds. I only have 10 more lbs to go to get to my dr.s goal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, a little. people that wouldnt give me the time of day when I was heavy now want to try and talk to me