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

From my cousin who knew a few pwople who had had the surgery.We then did a lot of research online and went to local support groups.

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

I was turned down by one.Then my husbands insurance changed.I was approved right away with the new insurance.Had to have open RNY because my insurance wouldn't pay for laproscopic.

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

I was nervous.He was very business like.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew the minute I started researching.It was my last hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Insurance decided for me.

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 nervous but not scared.I felt I was at my last chance point.I felt I had to have this surgery no matter the risks.

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 ALL supportive of MY decision,because it was what I wanted. They were my total support after surgery.My husband was very helpful afterward.I needed a lot of help after open RNY.

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

I took all 6 weeks.I needed them.My employer was very supportive.

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

I was in 3 days.They were great.Very WLS equipped. I didn't need much from home.

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

none.

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 so excited.I did eat too much leading up to surgery.Many have the idea that they won't eat again.They are so mistaken!

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

That is the hard part.Trying to get food intake set,and getting in all your liquids.

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

40 minutes from 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.

Stuck to liquids then pureed,then solids.I do not eat sugar!!!!! I had problems with meat at first.Then with rice, cereals,SF ice cream. Now I tolerate everything.

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

I was very sore for the first few weeks.I started excercising at about 6 weeks.

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

I take a multi-vitamin and a B12 daily. I just started acalcium citrate.

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 only had 2 problems.I got food stuck .Once was pork roast and the other chicken.I ate too fast and too big a bite.It gets stuck and I had to vomit. I do have a small case of dumping if I eat too much or too many carbs.

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

Protein drinks!!!!!!

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

attended many support group meetings. Had follow ups at hospital.Continue to get bloodwork done.

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

My scar is big.But have another one from past gallbladder surgery,and a new one from tummy tuck.I am a road map of scars.I don't mind scars,as long as the extra weight is gone.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a few plateaus.I got frustrated,but eventually the weight came off.I really followed the program.It works if you do it right! I am now experiencing a BIG plateau.I am gaining weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get a lot of compliments and comments.Mostly positive.People seem to be friendlier to thinner me.